Ghanaian musician and entrepreneur Michy won the hearts of Ghanaians when she played ampe with a group of street children.
The video on her Instagram page showed her fully engaged in the traditional Ghanaian game, jumping and clapping alongside the excited kids. In the caption of the video, she wrote:
“Sometimes, life’s best lessons come when we simply play. ❤️ Don’t take life too seriously—have faith like a child! ✨ – Matthew 18:3.”
Dressed casually in a green outfit, Michy appeared to be enjoying herself as she followed the game’s fast-paced movements.
The children cheered and laughed as she played the game with them. Many Ghanaians who saw the video praised her for her humility and desire to connect with the streets. They also commended her for taking the time to bring smiles to the faces of the children.
Ampe is a traditional Ghanaian game mostly played by girls, involving jumping, clapping, and quick foot movements.
The game is played between two or more people, with one player leading while the other follows. The goal is to predict the opponent’s foot movement, and the winner continues to lead. The game demands great agility, rhythm, and quick thinking to emerge victorious.
Though it originated in Ghana, ampe has gained popularity in other African countries. In Benin, it is called Bountou and has been structured into an organised sport. Over the years, there have been efforts to push for ampe to gain more recognition beyond Ghana.
In 2019, Joyce Mahama, President of the Women Sports Association of Ghana (WOSPAG), announced that ampe was being pushed as a recognised sport and a traditional sport for the 2023 African Games hosted in Ghana.
