It should never happen that we are disrespected for hosting the nation's capital — Ga Mantse

The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has voiced deep concern over what he described as growing disregard for Ga-Adangbe culture by some Ghanaians.

Addressing a durbar to mark the climax of this year’s Homowo Festival on Saturday, August 30, 2025, the King reminded the nation that the Ga people are the traditional custodians of Accra, Ghana’s capital, and therefore deserve recognition and respect.

“We won't banish anyone from Accra because we are welcoming by nature, and the least we expect is to be respected and duly honoured,” he declared. “The Greater Accra Region has been successful as the country's capital because of the loving nature of the Ga people. It should never happen that we are disrespected for hosting the nation's capital.”

His comments come on the heels of a viral video in which he suggested replacing the widely used Akan word ‘Akwaaba’ with the Ga-Adangbe equivalent ‘Oobakɛ’ on official welcome signs in the capital. The debate has since ignited controversy, particularly regarding signage at Kotoka International Airport and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

The Ghana Tourism Authority has dismissed claims that ‘Akwaaba’ and the Ewe greeting ‘Woezor’ were replaced with ‘Oobakɛ’ at the Memorial Park, describing the viral image circulating online as AI-generated. The Authority clarified that any changes to national monuments would require state approval.

While some argue that ‘Akwaaba’ has become a national brand reflecting Ghana’s unity and hospitality, others insist that Ga culture must be given prominence in the capital. Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo has also opposed the use of ‘Woezor’ on Accra’s welcome signage, stressing that Ga identity must remain central.

“Greater Accra is Ga land, and the indigenous culture should be respected,” she said, fueling further debate on whether prioritising Ga traditions risks cultural exclusion in a country known for diversity.

In the midst of the controversy, some cultural advocates are calling for innovative solutions such as rotational multilingual signage, a national inclusion charter, or ceremonial language days that reflect Ghana’s rich linguistic diversity while ensuring no group feels sidelined.