When you arrive in Ghana’s capital, Accra, one word appears everywhere: “Akwaaba”, meaning welcome in Twi. It greets you at the airport, tourism hotspots like the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, hotels, and cultural centres.
But for many residents, especially the Ga-Dangme people, the original custodians of Accra, this raises a longstanding question:
Should Accra’s public spaces welcome visitors with “Akwaaba,” or with the Ga equivalent “Oobakɛ”? And why mention a Ga word specifically when Ghana has many ethnic groups that speak different languages? That is because Accra sits on the historic land of the Ga-Dangme people.
A visual interpretation of the arrival experience in Accra
This debate has recently intensified, led by the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, who advocates for “Oobakɛ” to replace (or at least appear alongside) “Akwaaba” in symbolic public spaces. The conversation goes beyond language; it touches identity, cultural recognition, and the way Ghana presents its capital to the world.
This article breaks down the Akwaaba vs Oobakɛ debate, explains the cultural and political nuances, and explores what a balanced path forward might look like.
Akwaaba vs Oobakɛ: What Sparked the Debate?
The Ga Mantse has publicly stated that, as Accra sits on Ga land, the city’s public-facing identity should reflect its indigenous language. His position is clear:
Using only “Akwaaba” sidelines Ga heritage in favour of a national majority language.
Several officials have acknowledged the legitimacy of this concern:
Greater Accra Regional Minister’s View
Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo noted that incorporating “Oobakɛ” into public signage is under discussion, emphasising that cultural sensitivity must guide future decisions.
Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) Clarification
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has confirmed that no official changes have been made yet at major landmarks. Reports claiming “Akwaaba” has been replaced with “Oobakɛ” are inaccurate.
Still, the visibility of “Akwaaba” is one of the first impressions visitors get when they arrive at Kotoka International Airport, Ghana’s main air hub, something that continues to fuel public debate.
Why is this Debate so Relevant?
The issue is broader than a single word. It reflects a deeper conversation about:
1. Indigenous Identity and Recognition
The Ga people seek proper visibility as the original inhabitants of Accra. Using “Oobakɛ” in public spaces would:
- Affirm Ga heritage
- Restore linguistic relevance
- Give visitors a more authentic sense of Accra’s cultural roots
2. National Identity and Accessibility
“Akwaaba” has evolved into Ghana’s national welcome word, widely recognised beyond the Akan community. It offers:
- Familiarity for domestic visitors
- Simplicity for tourists
- Consistency in Ghana’s tourism branding
3. Cultural Preservation vs Practical Realities
Beyond cultural significance, logistical questions arise:
- Cost of modifying existing signage
- Potential confusion for non-Ga speakers
- Balancing Ghana’s multilingual identity
- Avoiding perceptions of tribal favouritism
A visual metaphor for the cultural dialogue between Ga tradition and Ghana’s broader national identity.
Arguments & Counterarguments
Supporters of bringing “Oobakɛ” into Accra’s public spaces argue that it’s more than just a greeting, it’s a way of honouring the Ga people and acknowledging their deep history in the city.
For them, seeing “Oobakɛ” alongside “Akwaaba” would help normalise the Ga language in everyday life while giving visitors a stronger sense of Ghana’s cultural authenticity. In their view, even a small linguistic change can carry powerful symbolic meaning.
On the other hand, those who prefer keeping “Akwaaba” as the primary greeting believe there are practical reasons to be cautious. Updating signage across key public spaces, or nationwide, would come with significant costs, and many feel that “Akwaaba” has already become a recognisable national symbol, both locally and internationally.
They worry that prioritising one local language over others could unintentionally spark accusations of tribal favoritism, especially in a country as linguistically diverse as Ghana. Balancing all these considerations, they argue, is far from straightforward.
So What’s the Way Forward?
Finding a path that respects both tradition and practicality will likely require a balanced approach. Many people believe that the simplest and most inclusive solution is to use both greetings side by side. Allowing “Akwaaba” and “Oobakɛ” to appear together would acknowledge Ghana’s national identity while giving proper visibility to Accra’s indigenous roots.
Of course, making any changes to public signage would require clear policy guidelines so everyone understands how languages are chosen and displayed across different regions. It would also need thoughtful budgeting and a realistic timeline, ensuring the rollout is both financially and logistically manageable.
Public education would play an important role too. If people understand the meaning and significance of “Oobakɛ,” the transition becomes much smoother, and the greeting itself gains wider appreciation.
Not surprisingly, many Ghanaians are already in favour of this dual-greeting model. For them, seeing both words side by side feels like a respectful compromise: a way to celebrate unity while honouring heritage.
Akwaaba vs Oobakɛ: Where Do You Stand?
At the heart of this debate is a simple but meaningful question: Should Accra continue welcoming visitors with the nationally recognised “Akwaaba,” or is it time to embrace “Oobakɛ” and give the city’s Ga heritage the visibility it deserves?
Whatever your view, this conversation reaches far beyond language. It speaks to how a nation chooses to represent itself, whose stories get amplified, and how history and modern identity can coexist in the public eye.
Share your thoughts in the comments! This is a discussion shaped by the people who call Accra home, the ones who visit, and everyone who cares about cultural identity and diversity in Ghana.
