Aban bɛgu a, ɛfiri yam.

If the state is going to be destroyed, it is from the inside (the stomach).

The “stomach” here represents one’s own weaknesses, hence it is one’s own shortcomings that cause one’s downfall.

• Postproverbial: Aban bɛgu a, kokoromoti na yɛde tu no.
  Translation: A government is changed through the ballot box.
  
• Postproverbial: Aban bɛgu a, efiri ne ndwuma.
  Translation: If a government is going to fall, it is from its performance.
  
• Postproverbial: Aban bɛgu a, na efiri ne nhyehyɛ bɔne.
  Translation: If the state is going to be destroyed, it is a government’s bad policies that occasion its destruction.
  
• Postproverbial: Aban bɛgu a, aban bɛba.
  Translation: If the state is going to be destroyed, another government will take its place.
  

Ghana (Akan)

Tags

stomach inside state destroyed within