Safety, security, completeness, and solidarity.

Fihankra is an enclosed or secured compound house. It is a symbol of brotherhood, safety, security, completeness, and solidarity. The etymology of fihankra is fi(e), the Akan word for “house,” plus hankra, an Akan word for “circle.” Thus, “fihankra” translates literally as “house circle,” that is, a “circular house.” It is a type of house with rooms or sub-houses arranged around a central courtyard. This type of house is known as a compound house and is quite common in some parts of Ghana even today.