Traditional Ghanaian game

Ampe

Ampe (Ga: rhythmic jumping game)

The high-energy jumping, clapping and chanting game of Ghanaian childhood.

Players: 2+ playersAges: Ages 5+Where: Outdoors · no equipmentTime: As long as the energy lasts

Playable now

Play Ampe here — tap a leg on the jump

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Ampe is the best-known traditional game among Ghanaian children, especially girls. Two players face each other, chant, clap, and jump — thrusting one leg forward at the same time. If both thrust the same leg, one scores; it is part dance, part contest, and always loud.

Played in schoolyards across the country every break time, ampe needs no equipment at all — just rhythm, timing, and stamina. Matches often draw cheering circles of classmates who keep the chants going.

The rules

1Two players stand facing each other about an arm’s length apart.
2Both chant and clap in rhythm, then jump and thrust one leg forward simultaneously.
3If both players thrust the same leg (both left or both right), the leader scores a point.
4If the legs differ, nobody scores and the round repeats.
5Players take turns being the leader who calls the chant.
6First to an agreed score — often 5 or 10 — wins the round.

How to play & win

1Face your opponent and agree who leads first and what score wins.
2Start the chant together, clapping on the beat.
3On the jump, thrust either leg forward — try to read your opponent’s body, not their eyes.
4As leader, vary your rhythm to throw the other player off.
5As follower, stay loose and mirror until the last instant.
6Rotate in new players from the circle so everyone gets a turn.

The cultural story

Ampe originated among the Ga people of Greater Accra but is now played by children of every background in Ghana. The chants, sung in Ga, Twi, Ewe, and English, are passed down playground-to-playground and change a little with each generation — a living oral tradition disguised as a game.

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Ampe FAQs

How do you play Ampe?

Two players chant, clap and jump together, each thrusting one leg forward. If both thrust the same leg, the leader scores; different legs mean no point. First to the agreed score — often 5 or 10 — wins.

How many people can play Ampe?

Two play at a time while others form a cheering circle and rotate in, so any number of children can join one session.

Where does Ampe come from?

Ampe originated among the Ga people of Greater Accra and is now played by children of every background across Ghana.