Every arriving passenger at Kotoka International Airport is greeted by the warmly familiar “Akwaaba” an Akan greeting meaning “welcome.” Over time, “Akwaaba” has transcended any one language or region to become a symbol of Ghanaian hospitality. Yet, this iconic sign sits on Ga Dangme ancestral land, and a growing number of Ga citizens insist the arrival portal should recognize their language and heritage. The debate touches on sensitive issues of cultural identity, representation, and national unity.
1. Historical and
Cultural Context
The Rise of “Akwaaba”
- The Akan languages (Twi,
Fante, etc.) are spoken by around 80%
of Ghanaians as either a first or second language, with
about 44% native speakers
- “Akwaaba” is more than a
greeting it embodies Ghanaian
hospitality and is entrenched in daily usage, tourism
branding, and popular culture.
Ga Heritage in Accra
- Accra and its environs
are the homeland of the Ga Dangme people. Chiefs and citizen groups argue
this makes it not just inappropriate but negligent to expect visitors to
be greeted in Akan rather than the indigenous Ga language.
- In 2011, the La Traditional Area chiefs formally appealed to the government to replace or complement “Akwaaba” with the Ga equivalent at the airport.
2. The Language
Alternatives on the Table
“Oobake” / “Oobakɛ” – The Proposed Ga Greeting
- Recent discourse and
even altered images (some AI-generated) have introduced “Oobake” (alternatively
spelled “Oobakɛ”) as the Ga word for “welcome”.
- However, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) later clarified that no official signage change had occurred at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and that “Akwaaba” and “Woezor” (Ewe) remain intact. Any modifications would require official approval.
Other Ga Greetings: “Mohee” and “HeniOjɛ”
- For many Ga speakers,
“Mohee” is the more commonly used form of welcome—leading to confusion and
debate about which Ga word would actually be appropriate.
- In Ga-language forums,
words like “HeniOjɛ”,
“Atuu”, or even extended
forms like “Heiniodzer”
have been floated as alternatives, though these remain largely informal
and contested.
3. Arguments for
and Against the Change
For the Change
- Cultural
Recognition:
Honor Ga heritage, especially where it matters most at the borders of
their ancestral land.
- Promote
Linguistic Diversity: Ghana is home to multiple ethnic and linguistic
groups; showcasing Ga alongside Akan can forge a more inclusive national
image.
- Historical
Justice:
“Akwaaba” reflects Akan dominance in public infrastructure; balancing that
narrative strengthens equity.
Against the Change
- National
Brand and Recognition: “Akwaaba” is globally synonymous with Ghanaian
hospitality. Its removal or substitution might dilute that brand
recognition.
- Potential
Confusion:
Even among Ga speakers, “Oobake” may not be universally recognized as the
correct welcome greeting many haven’t heard it used in everyday contexts.
- Symbolic
vs. Practical Impact: Critics argue shifting airport greetings won’t
address deeper issues like governance, infrastructure, or economic
development.
Notably, advocates of “Akwaaba” argue that, while Ghana is home to multiple ethnicities, Akan culture has historically and organically become dominant, due partly to its role in the economy and education systems.
4. The Present
Landscape
- Petition: A petition launched in
August 2025 calls for the airport signage to include “Oobake,” arguing
Accra’s true custodians should be rightly represented.
- Tourism
Authority’s Stand: The GTA says no official replacement has happened nor
has any been approved. Any such change would require formal processes.
- Media Reports: A video surfaced showing “Oobakɛ” at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, but GTA insists these alterations weren’t sanctioned.
5. Broader
Reflections
What Does Language
in Public Space Represent?
- Language signage at
major public entrances is not neutral it signals identity, power,
inclusivity. Choosing one language over another can imply who’s seen as
“primary” in national memory.
Harmonizing
National Unity with Local Identity
- Ghana's multilingual
landscape calls for conscious design: could signage embrace trilingual greetings? For
example: “Akwaaba • Oobake • Welcome” mirroring
cultural layers (Akan, Ga, English) and promoting linguistic equality.
Practical Steps
Forward
- Community
Engagement First:
Survey Ga speakers to identify which Ga greeting is most appropriate and
widely recognized.
- Pilot
Multilingual Signage: Institutions like the airport or national monuments
could test dual/trilingual greetings.
- Cultural Education: Use signage and campaigns to explain the history behind “Akwaaba,” “Oobake,” and other greetings this turns a simple word into a learning moment.
6. Reedit Voices
Reflect the Complexity
While Reedit comments aren’t formal sources, they capture public sentiment.
For example:
“Twi/Akan seems like the more common language nationwide… but in Accra
specifically, Ga is more common than Twi/Akan?”
Another user, reflecting on language preservation:
“It was refreshing. But also a reminder that, our preservation
ultimately lies with our youth.” (On speaking Ga after growing up abroad)
These voices echo the tension between practicality (“Akwaaba” is widely recognized) and cultural pride (Ga language must be preserved and honored).
Conclusion
The debate over replacing “Akwaaba” with “Oobake”
at Kotoka International Airport is not just a linguistic quibble it is a nexus
of identity, inclusion, history, and national branding.
- For
some Ga citizens,
it’s about ancestral recognition and cultural equity.
- For
tourism and national symbolism, “Akwaaba” symbolizes warmth that is known worldwide.
- In
a diverse nation,
the most constructive path may lie in unity through diversity: embracing
both.
Perhaps the most respectful and forward-looking solution is not to replace,
but to enhance ensuring that every arriving visitor is greeted
with an expression that truly reflects the linguistic diversity and heritage of
Ghana.