The Greater Accra Regional Minister has stirred nationwide debate after suggesting that the word “Akwaaba” — traditionally displayed at major tourist entry points — be replaced with the Ga greeting “Oobake” to promote and protect Ga language and culture.
The proposal, which also touched on the replacement of the Ewe greeting “Woezor” at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, has drawn mixed reactions from the public, with many viewing it as a test case for balancing national unity with ethnic and linguistic representation.
However, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has denied any involvement in altering signage at either site. In a statement, the Authority stressed that no such changes had been authorized, adding that any modification of inscriptions at national monuments would require the approval of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
According to the GTA, both “Akwaaba” and “Woezor” remain in place at their respective locations.
The development highlights Ghana’s linguistic diversity, where Akan, Ga, Ewe, and other languages coexist as part of the country’s cultural heritage. The debate underscores wider questions about how best to preserve local identities while maintaining symbols that represent national unity.
