There are many types of drums in Ghana. Most gome songs are sung in pidgin English due to the influence of British colonization. The drum is a box on which the musician sits, playing the head with his hands while his feet control the tone of the drum. Talking drums are still used during annual festivals and funeral ceremonies of important people in the community. They are also used to broadcast the praises of chiefs, send messages of condolence and to entertain.
Drum language is taught both in the primary and junior secondary schools throughout the country.
Children are taught how to sound the talking drum to convey messages. Not too long ago in Ghanaian primary schools, and even tertiary institutions, the hand bell was the main instrument used to summon students. These days, the talking drum is used interchangeably with the hand bell. Foster Child Benjamin Asmah sounds the talking drums to invite his colleagues to assemble for morning devotion. He does the same for the afternoon recess.