By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has directed the Metro Education Unit of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to ensure that the Ga word for welcome, “Oobaakɛ”, is boldly inscribed at the entrances of all basic schools across the metropolis.
According to him, the initiative seeks to promote and preserve the Ga language while instilling a sense of identity and pride among pupils.
Speaking during a working visit on Thursday to the Martyrs of Uganda R/C Basic School in Mamprobi, the Ministry of Health Basic School, the 28th February Road Primary & Kindergarten, and the Peter Odartey Lamptey Memorial JHS, the Mayor said the inscriptions would serve as both cultural reminders and educational tools for young learners.
“As Mayor, I will ensure that the Ga language is taught in all schools in the metropolis. It is our heritage and must be passed on to the younger generation,” Hon. Allotey stated.
During his visits, he distributed stationery to pupils and personally joined them in practicing greetings in Ga, teaching them how to welcome others using the word “Oobaakɛ.” He stressed that such interactions help children appreciate local culture while pursuing academic excellence.
Hon. Allotey further assured that the Assembly would collaborate with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and relevant stakeholders to properly integrate the teaching of Ga into school curricula. He reiterated that preserving and promoting local languages is a priority for the Assembly’s cultural and educational agenda.
“The AMA will continue to initiate programmes that promote the cultural awareness and identity of the Ga people as part of efforts to build a more inclusive and heritage-conscious city,” he pledged.
The directive has been welcomed by cultural advocates, who see it as a symbolic step toward reviving the Ga language in schools at a time when many indigenous languages face decline in daily use.
