Saandayiri is one of the four tribes
of Ga, which also has access to the throne of Ga traditional area. The
tribe is named after its founder, Saanda, several centuries ago. The
gate is acclaimed to be the eldest, but the least in number, among the
three royal gates of Ga. It has produced the first chief of Ga, Ganaa
Cameroon Mahanma, who was a veteran soldier of the First World War.
Farming and petty trading are
their main economic activities. They produce both food and cash crops
like sorghum, millet, rice, or groundnuts. They also embark on livestock
keeping as part of their economic livelihood. The Ghana cedi is their
main medium of payment. Cowries and barter practice are also some medium
of exchange acceptable by these people.
The Saandayiri people are
predominately Muslims and as such their practices are in consonance with
Islamic prescriptions. However, traditional considerations are given to
selected aspects of their being, such as marriage, funeral rites and
ancestral sacrifices. Most customary performances like funerals or
festivals are characterised by drumming and dancing. Muslim festivals
such as the Idil Fitr and Idil Adhar are adopted in addition to
traditional ones.