- Mr Happiness, a Netherlands-based Ghanaian, addressed the Akwaaba sign controversy at Kotoka International Airport in Accra
- He compared Ghana’s case to Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, where English dominated signage instead of the Dutch language
- He argued Akwaaba was internationally recognised and said replacing it with Oobakɛ distracted from more pressing national issues
Well-known Netherlands-based Ghanaian media activist Mr Happiness (Kofi Gabs) has dropped his two cents on the ongoing debate surrounding the “Akwaaba” signage at Ghana’s airport.
Source: Instagram
YEN.com.gh understands that social media has recently been a hot stove following the uproar over whether the Ga greeting “Oobakɛ” should be featured in Kotoka International Airport in Accra.
Currently, the international Airport has the welcome signage “Akwaaba,” the popular Akan word for “Welcome,” and critics have argued that since the airport is located in a Ga-speaking area, Ga should be prioritised as the official signage to reflect the local culture.
However, Mr Happiness has shared his opinion. He strongly disagrees with the notion. In a video shared online, the abroad-based Ghanaian explained that airports are international zones and should use the most universally understood language or phrase.
Mr Happiness weighs in on “Akwaaba” debate
According to him, since the Kotoka Airport is an international zone, it should be able to accommodate all travellers. To buttress his point, he referred to the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam.
In this airport, the Dutch are the native population, and Dutch is the official language. Yet, he pointed out, all signs at the airport are predominantly in the English language, not in Dutch as many would have thought.
He argued this is a practical choice, not an act of cultural erasure.
In his words:
“It doesn’t mean the airport belongs to the British. It’s simply because English is spoken worldwide than Dutch, and the airport is an international territory.”
Applying the same logic to Ghana, he said “Akwaaba” has become internationally recognised as a symbol of Ghanaian hospitality.
While the Ga word “Oobakɛ” is equally important and valid, he believes pushing to replace “Akwaaba” is unnecessary and distracts from more pressing national issues.
He said:
So “Akwaaba” at Kotoka International Airport doesn’t mean the airport is Akan-based or Akan-biased. “Akwaaba” is internationally recognised. It is known everywhere than “Oubake.” Akwaaba dominates Oubake. That is why “Welcome” even comes before Akwaaba. Oubake can be added.
Watch the video where he shared his opinion below:
Mr Happiness stirs reaction on “Akwaaba” comment
YEN.com.gh collected reactions from Ghanaians who watched the video on X. Some of the comments are below.
@amos13118596 wrote:
“Kwasia boy your teeth like rockets… Everybody in the Netherlands knows how to speak English, mumu; even in Amsterdam, not everybody.”
@EgyirTando26843 asked:
“So why you take this thing like World Cup? You no get job do?”
@nhii_welbeck commented:
“So it’s good for voltarians to use “Woezor” buh bad for GA’s to use Oobake?”
Source: Twitter
Man questions absence of Ga in Park
YEN.com.gh had earlier reported that a Ghanaian man visited Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and highlighted the absence of Ga translation on certain signage.
The park, located in the heart of Accra, is a place of national pride, dedicated to the legacy of former President, Kwame Nkrumah.
The oversight he saw sparked conversations, with some supporting representation of Ga and some others dismissing its importance.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
