Translation:
If he who carries the big drum has nothing else, he has condolences.
Postproverbial:
Deɛ ɔso twene kɛseɛ nni biribi a, ɔwɔ kakyire.
Translation:
He who carries a big drum has a pad to cushion his shoulders
Postproverbial:
Deɛ ɔso twene kɛseɛ nni biribi a, ɔwɔ akokoɔduro
Translation:
He who carries the big drum is brave.
Postproverbial:
Deɛ anyɛ yie, ne sumina so
Translation:
When something does not/has not worked out well, it is to be found on the rubbish dump
Postproverbial:
Deɛ anyɛ yie, na saa na ɛbɛ yɛ
Translation:
When something does not/has not worked out well, there is no way to salvage failure
Comments:
The traditional proverb means there is always some reward for public service. Carrying the big drum is an arduous task, but it is considered as a service to the community and one must not expect any material reward for it; only the sympathy that one will typically attract from onlookers.
Language - Region:
akan-ghana
Label:
failure