BY Nadia Ntiamoah
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has taken a decisive step in its cultural preservation efforts by replacing the traditional English greeting “Welcome” at its office with the Ga equivalent, “Oobaakɛ.”
The initiative, championed by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, forms part of a broader metropolitan campaign to restore pride in the Ga language — the indigenous tongue of the nation’s capital.
The replacement of the sign, though symbolic, comes at a time when national conversations about the prominence of local languages on public signages have intensified.
The debate first gained traction around the use of “Akwaaba,” the widely recognised Akan word for “welcome,” displayed on national installations such as the Kotoka International Airport and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
Some argued that these heavily visited sites should reflect the Ga identity of Accra, while others believed the multilingual harmony required more neutral or nationally accepted greetings.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) later clarified that it had not authorised the replacement of national signages, urging standardisation to protect national branding.
However, the AMA, acting within its jurisdiction, proceeded with its own signage change as an assertion of cultural autonomy and pride.
Mayor Allotey said the decision was long overdue, given the rapidly declining use of the Ga language among children and young adults in the capital.
For decades, urban migration, inter-ethnic settlement patterns and the dominance of Akan in mainstream media have contributed to the diminishing presence of Ga in Accra, posing a threat to the survival of the language.
To further consolidate the agenda, the Mayor has directed all basic schools within the AMA to boldly inscribe “Oobaakɛ” at their entrances.
He issued the directive during a working visit to several schools — including the Martyrs of Uganda R/C Basic School in Mamprobi, the Ministry of Health Basic School, the 28th February Road Primary & Kindergarten, and the Peter Odartey Lamptey Memorial JHS — where he distributed stationery and welcomed new pupils.
Interacting with teachers, particularly Ga language instructors, Allotey stressed that language preservation must begin with the young.
He assured that the AMA, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service, would strengthen the teaching of Ga across metropolitan schools to ensure consistent exposure and comprehension among pupils.
“As Mayor, I will ensure that the Ga language is taught in all schools in the metropolis. It is our heritage and must be passed on to the younger generation,” he said, while personally teaching pupils basic greetings in Ga during his visits.
