Deɛ ɔso twene kɛseɛ nni biribi a, ɔwɔ awerɛkyekyerɛ.

If he who carries the big drum has nothing else, he has condolences.

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.

• Postproverbial: Deɛ ɔso twene kɛseɛ nni biribi a, ɔwɔ akokoɔduro.
  Translation: He who carries the big drum is brave.
  
• 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, ɔde bɛ bɔm.
  Translation: If he who carries the big drum has nothing else, he plays it.
  
• Postproverbial: Deɛ ɔso twene kɛseɛ nni biribi a, ɔwɔ abatiri.
  Translation: If he who carries the big drum has nothing else, he has muscles.
  

Ghana (Akan)

Tags

carry person big drum condolences