The recent debate about whether Ghana’s national welcome should remain Akwaaba or replace it with Oobake is neither trivial nor merely linguistic. It touches on identity, culture, and Ghana’s place in the global tourism space.
Ghana is celebrated as the “Gateway to Africa.” But in practice, Accra is the key to that gate hosting our international airport, seaport, and major land entry points. It is no surprise, then, that the Ga Mantse has called for the Ga people’s rightful recognition in shaping how Ghana greets the world. His point is valid and deserves attention.
Yet, Akwaaba has grown beyond language. It has become a global brand, recognized everywhere as the Ghanaian symbol of warmth and hospitality. To replace it abruptly risks disrupting decades of identity-building and recognition. Language in this context is not just about accuracy but about sustainability, acceptance, and global resonance.
Consider this: many couples who divorce still retain each other’s surnames, not out of sentiment but for continuity and identity. In the same way, Akwaaba has surpassed its original confines and now represents Ghana as a whole. To discard it would be to risk an identity crisis at a time when national branding is more critical than ever.
The Ga Mantse’s concern is legitimate, but identity is also about unity. While it is important to honor the Ga heritage at the heart of Accra, it is equally important to preserve what unifies all Ghanaians in the eyes of the world. And right now, that unifier is Akwaaba.
In the spirit of cultural pride, sustainability, and love for Ghana’s global image, perhaps the wisest path is not to erase but to embrace celebrating both Ga identity and the enduring power of Akwaaba
Samuel Awuni
Communications Expert
Source: ameyawdebrah.com/
