The debate over replacing welcome greetings in Accra with the Ga phrase “Oobake” has sparked widespread conversation among Ghanaians, especially on social media.
Reports and viral videos show that the Akan greeting “Akwaaba” and the Ewe greeting “Woezor” on the signage at Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park have been replaced with “Oobake.” Similar changes have also been spotted at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), although the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has distanced itself from the move.
Divided Opinions
The development has generated mixed reactions. Critics argue it reflects tribal favouritism, while supporters believe it is a necessary step to preserve the Ga-Adangbe cultural identity.
Why the Change?
Ga traditional authorities have long raised concerns about the marginalisation of their language in Accra.
Ga Mantse, King Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has repeatedly warned that the Ga language is under threat due to its absence in many schools across the Greater Accra Region.
“The Ga language has been threatened in recent years. Many schools do not teach Ga anymore in the Greater Accra Region. This poses a risk to our culture because we evolve from it,” the King stated in June 2023.
Former Attorney-General Ayikoi Otoo also lamented in April 2023 what he described as a deliberate attempt to diminish the Ga language in its homeland.
Who Is Behind the Current Move?
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has revealed that the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, is spearheading the initiative at her request.
She said she tasked the Mayor with ensuring that signage in different local languages across Accra is changed to Ga, as part of efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of the Ga-Adangbe people.
“The calls from my constituents are legitimate. I fully support this move, as it is about protecting Ga culture,” the Minister affirmed
