By: Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
The controversy surrounding the welcome signs at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park is much more than a simple dispute over language. It is a powerful illustration of the deep-seated ethnic and political tensions that simmer beneath Ghana’s surface. The alleged substitution of “Akwaaba” (Akan) and “Woezor” (Ewe) with the Ga phrase “Oobakɛ” thrusts a human story of identity, respect, and belonging into the national spotlight. The argument touches on how a nation can celebrate its unity while honoring the distinct heritage of its individual communities, and how a modern information ecosystem can complicate the truth.
A Demand for Cultural Respect
For many in the Ga community, the push for linguistic representation is a matter of profound historical justice. Accra, the nation’s capital and a hub of national life, stands on Ga ancestral lands. From their perspective, the continued absence of their language from key national infrastructure located on Ga land, like the memorial park and Kotoka International Airport, feels like a deliberate marginalization. It is a deep, personal slight. “Our forefathers’ land holds the heart of this nation,” a Ga youth activist, Nii Tetteh, was quoted saying. “Yet our voice is silent on the signs that welcome the world. This is not about division; it’s about demanding the respect we deserve.” The Ga Mantse, the traditional ruler of the Ga people, has been consistent in his call for recognition. An aide to the stool, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “The Ga Mantse has always said that recognition for the Ga language is essential for a true sense of national inclusion. It is a matter of dignity.”
The Government’s Position and Spreading Misinformation
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) responded swiftly to the public outcry and circulating images. On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the GTA’s Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, issued a press statement to address the rumors. “We wish to categorically state that at no point has the Ghana Tourism Authority ordered or approved the replacement of the culturally significant greetings ‘Woezor’ (in Ewe) and ‘Akwaaba’ (in Akan) with ‘Oobakɛ’,” Mrs. Houadjeto stated. Her comments highlight the government’s concern about the divisive nature of the allegations. The debate has also spread to Kotoka International Airport, where some campaigners are demanding that the inscription “Akwaaba” be replaced with “Oobakɛ.” A critical development in the controversy is that images circulating online, believed to be AI-generated, show the airport’s signage altered to reflect the Ga word. This introduces a layer of manipulated information that has fueled public anger.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has also weighed in on the debate. Highlighting the importance of preserving Ga culture, she said, “The preservation of Ga culture is not in opposition to national cohesion. Rather, it is an integral part of our collective identity.”
Historical Roots and International Repercussions
The inclusion of “Akwaaba” and “Woezor” on national signage is a vestige of Ghana’s post-independence nation-building strategy. As Ghana sought to forge a unified national identity from its diverse ethnic groups, it often elevated the languages of the two largest groups, the Akan and the Ewe, to represent the nation as a whole. According to the 2010 census, Akan speakers constitute 47.5% of the population, while Ewe speakers represent 13.9%. In contrast, the Ga-Dangme people are 7.4%. The prominence of Akan in particular is due to the fact that it is spoken by over 80% of Ghanaians as either a first or second language, serving as a national lingua franca.
This historical choice, while intended to foster unity, now faces a powerful challenge from communities like the Ga, who feel their contributions have been overlooked. The current public disagreement over a welcome sign could have unintended consequences for tourism, a critical part of Ghana’s economy. Ghana earned a record $4.8 billion from tourism in 2024. A visible dispute over what constitutes a Ghanaian welcome could confuse or deter international tourists, who expect a seamless and hospitable experience. An airline official at the airport, speaking privately, noted the potential for chaos. “The airport belongs to Ghana. The greeting ‘Akwaaba’ has become universal, a greeting everyone understands.”
A Global Welcome
The debate in Ghana is far from unique; how nations choose to welcome visitors is often a reflection of their internal social and political dynamics. In Europe, countries like Belgium and Switzerland have long used multilingual signs at airports and on highways to honor their multiple official languages and foster a sense of shared, diverse identity. In contrast, nations like the United Kingdom and the United States typically use a single language, English, for official signage, prioritizing clear communication and a unified national identity above regional linguistic diversity. Similarly, China often uses Mandarin as its primary language on welcome signs, reflecting a highly centralized approach to national unity despite its numerous regional languages. Meanwhile, in the United Arab Emirates, official signage is often in both Arabic and English to accommodate its vast international population and project its image as a global business and tourism hub. In Africa, South Africa stands as a powerful example, using its 11 official languages on public signs as a conscious policy of post-apartheid nation-building and reconciliation. These international precedents offer valuable models for Ghana as it navigates the complex question of who should be represented in its national welcome.
Building a United Future
The core of this human story lies in the tension between local identity and national belonging. The controversy is a symptom of a larger conversation about decentralization and a more inclusive approach to national branding. The debate has brought to the forefront the need for a national dialogue on how to equitably honor all of Ghana’s ethnic groups in public spaces. The solution will likely require a move beyond a simple replacement of words. For example, a Ghanaian citizen named Adwoa Osei-Tutu, a supporter of a multi-lingual approach, said, “It’s only fair. We can’t build a capital on a people’s land and then make them feel like guests in their own home. Adding Ga isn’t about taking anything away; it’s about making our welcome truly national.”
Conversely, a Ghanaian from the Northern region, Mohammed Abdul, expressed caution: “Where do we stop? Ghana has over 80 languages. If we add Ga, what about Dagomba, Guan, or Nzema? It’s not sustainable. We must find a balance that doesn’t fragment our unity.” Political analyst, Dr. Yaw Asamoah, offered a final thought on the issue. “This is a pivotal moment,” he said. “The government must listen to the grievances. Failure to do so will only deepen the fractures and undermine the very national unity they seek to protect.” The future of Ghana’s welcome may depend on its ability to embrace all its diverse voices without compromising the collective bond that holds the nation together.
2 Responses
It’s only fair. We can’t build a capital on a people’s land and then make them feel like guests in their own home. Adding Ga isn’t about taking anything away; it’s about making our welcome truly national.”
Agreed, it’s only right that the language of the people where it is located is represented.