Culture and genetics: Ghanaian genetic imprints in contemporary Bahamians?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15362/ijbs.v31i1.619Keywords:
Genetics, Y-chromosome, mtDNA, Ghana, Bahamas - Gemetics, Ghana - Genetics, Cross-cultural studiesAbstract
This study presents preliminary genetic findings from 160 individuals sampled on the island of New Providence, The Bahamas, to explore the ancestral origins and diasporic connections of contemporary Bahamians with the Akan ethnolinguistic group from Ghana. Using mitochondrial and Y-chromosomal DNA analysis, our findings reveal that over 94% of maternal lineages and approximately 73% of paternal lineages are of African origin. These results align with historical records of slave ship arrivals and suggest deep ancestral ties with West and Central Africa, particularly from the Gold Coast (roughly modern-day Ghana). Notably, the presence of Y-haplogroups E-U175 and E-L485 (upstream branch of U174) as well as mtDNA haplogroups L2a and L3e, prevalent in the Akan ethnolinguistic group from Ghana, corresponds with the earliest documented slave voyages to The Bahamas during the 18th century. Cultural correlations, including oral traditions, further support the hypothesis of a strong Ghanaian influence in the contemporary Bahamian gene pool. While European lineages are present, they are notably less frequent (5.9% mtDNA and 26.6% Y-chromosomal lineages) and align with known patterns of colonial settlement. These findings underscore the enduring legacy of African genetic and cultural heritage in The Bahamas. This highlights the need for further comparative research with populations in West Africa, such as Ghana, especially from Princess Town (which may be the origin of the Junkanoo festival).
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