The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, has weighed in on the ongoing public debate over the proposal to substitute the Twi word “Akwaaba” with the Ga expression “Oobakɛ” to represent ‘Welcome’ at the Kotoka International Airport and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
The debate was triggered when some indigenous Ga people raised concerns that the Kotoka International Airport, which sits on Ga traditional land, displays welcome messages in Twi (“Akwaaba”) and in Ewe (“Woezor”), but not in Ga. They argued that this omission sidelines the language and cultural identity of the Ga people, who are the custodians of Accra and its surrounding areas.
According to them, a symbolic location such as the country’s main international gateway should reflect and honour the heritage of the landowners by prominently displaying “Oobakɛ,” the Ga word for welcome, alongside other Ghanaian languages.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 29, 2025, the Minister affirmed the right of the Ga people, as custodians of the land on which Ghana’s capital city sits, to advocate for the preservation and promotion of their language and cultural identity.
“The Ga people, as custodians of the land on which our capital city stands, have every right to raise legitimate concerns about the preservation and promotion of their language and cultural identity,” she stated.
However, she stressed that Ghana’s identity rests on unity in diversity and that all ethnic groups — including the Ashanti, Ewe, Ga-Dangme, and others — would be accorded equal respect and consideration whenever cultural issues arise.
“My own family reflects the diversity that makes Ghana unique, and I stand firmly against any interpretation that seeks to pit one ethnic group against another. This government is here to serve all the people of Ghana without bias,” she added.
Madam Ocloo assured that government decisions on culture and heritage would be guided by broad consultation, sensitivity, and the national interest. She noted that protecting Ga heritage should not be seen as opposing national cohesion, but rather as enriching Ghana’s collective identity.
“Let it be clear: the preservation of Ga culture is not in opposition to national cohesion. Rather, it is an integral part of our collective identity. Together, we shall continue to uphold our cultural heritage while promoting unity, peace, and development across our beloved nation,” she said.
The Minister emphasised that the government will engage widely with stakeholders before taking a final position on the matter.
Below is the full statement by the Greater Accra Regional Minister
