AMA Boss Orders Use of “Oobaakɛ” Sign in All Accra Basic Schools
- Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey has directed that the Ga word for welcome, “Oobaakɛ”, be displayed at entrances of all basic schools
- The move aims to promote and preserve the Ga language amid concerns over the dominance of “Akwaaba” in the capital
- He made the announcement during a visit to several schools, where he interacted with pupils and promised to enforce Ga language education
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The Chief Executive Officer of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has instructed the Metro Education Unit to inscribe the Ga word for welcome, “Oobaakɛ", at the entrances of all basic schools across the metropolis.
This move by the Mayor of Accra is aimed at promoting and preserving the indigenous language of the Ga-Adamgbe people of the Greater Accra Region.
Source: Twitter
In recent times, there has been a spirited cultural debate in Accra over the use of two popular greetings, the Akan word “Akwaaba” and the Ga equivalent “Oobaakɛ".
“Akwaaba” is widely recognised across Ghana and internationally as a national symbol of hospitality, often used to welcome visitors at airports, hotels, and public functions.
However, the Ga people have raised concerns over the growing dominance of Akwaaba in the Greater Accra Region, fearing it may overshadow Oobaakɛ.
According to the AMA boss, the inscription of "Oobaakɛ" at the entrances of schools in the metropolis would serve as both a cultural reminder and an educational tool.
He said it would also expose the pupils to the Ga language and instill in them a sense of identity and pride.
“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,” he said.
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AMA boss visits schools in Accra
Michael Kpakpo Allotey gave this directive when he paid a working visit to the Martyrs of Uganda RC Basic School in Mamprobi on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
The AMA boss also visited the Ministry of Health (MOH) Basic School, the 28th February Road Primary & Kindergarten, and the Peter Odartey Lamptey Memorial Junior High School.
During the visit, Kpakpo Allotey distributed stationery and welcomed new entrants to school on their first day.
He also used the opportunity to interact with pupils, teaching them how to greet and welcome others in the Ga language.
The Mayor of Accra further stated that the assembly would work closely with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the teaching of Ga would be properly integrated into the curriculum of schools in Accra.
He stressed that the preservation and promotion of local languages remained a priority for the Assembly’s cultural and educational agenda.
Kpakpo Allotey assured that the AMA would continue to initiate programmes that promote cultural awareness and identity among the Ga people as part of efforts to build a more inclusive and heritage-conscious city.
Source: Facebook
Supreme Court brings finality to Ga Mantse debate
Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh reported earlier that the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II received a royal welcome after the Supreme Court affirmed his legitimacy as the Ga Mantse.
The people of Jamestown could not hide their joy as they took to the streets to celebrate and jubilate over the latest ruling.
Social media users who reacted to the issue of the Ga Mantse expressed joy that finality had been brought to the matter.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
