Ampe is an energetic driven game that originated from Ghana usually played by girls of school going age and at times grown women.
This game is played by two or more people and requires no equipment.
One or two persons stand opposite the opponent according tot the number of players.
In this game, legs and their positions do count to determine who wins.
Ohyiwa– this literal means ‘meet’ is a leg position; so when one party who chooses Ohyiwa jumps and kicks any leg and at the same time the opponent kicks that same leg then former becomes the winner.
Ampaho – means ‘ to go apart’ – and this is directly opposite the Ohyiwa.
They both jump and kick one foot forward, if the foot that is kicked meets that of the opponent in the same direction; then Ohyiwa wins and moves to the next person and to the next and it the same way if the foot the leader brings forward is different from the opponent, the opponent becomes the leader.
A score is kept and the person to reach highest of the agreed number of play rounds is crowned the winner.
This ancient game; Ampe is usually used as a recreational game or activity especially played at the courtyard of most compound house or playground.
Just like any other game, Ampe demands the player to be alert, energetic, be able to coordinate their balance, speed, muscular endurance and efficient oxygen utilization coupled with critical thinking.
It a good physical workout, social bonding and and strategic patterns of play where opponents are being studied in anticipation of the next move so as to make a snap counter decision and quick reflexes.
Here is video of how kids play ampe in various homes and schools.
Source: Ekow Simpson