Accra Mayor Directs Schools to Display Ga Word “Oobaakɛ” at Entrances

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has directed the Metro Education Unit of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to boldly inscribe the Ga word for welcome, “Oobaakɛ”, at the entrances of all basic schools across the metropolis to promote and preserve the indigenous language.

According to the Mayor, the initiative will serve as both a cultural reminder and an educational tool, exposing pupils to the Ga language while instilling in them a sense of identity and pride.

The directive was issued on Thursday during a working visit to the Martyrs of Uganda R/C Basic School in Mamprobi, the Ministry of Health (MOH) Basic School, the 28th February Road Primary & Kindergarten, and the Peter Odartey Lamptey Memorial JHS. The visits formed part of a programme to distribute stationery and welcome new entrants to school.

At the Martyrs of Uganda R/C Basic School, Hon. Allotey interacted with the Ga language teacher, encouraging her to diligently impart knowledge of the language to pupils.

“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.

Hon. Allotey also took time to teach pupils how to greet and welcome others in Ga, stressing the importance of appreciating local culture alongside academic excellence.

He further assured that the Assembly would collaborate with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and other stakeholders to properly integrate the teaching of Ga into school curricula, adding that the preservation and promotion of local languages remain a top priority on the AMA’s cultural and educational agenda.

The Mayor pledged that the AMA would continue to roll out programmes that promote cultural awareness and strengthen the identity of the Ga people, as part of efforts to build a more inclusive and heritage-conscious city.

📌 Related: Understanding Ghana’s Language Policy in Basic Schools

📌 Related: Preserving Indigenous Languages in Ghana: Challenges and Opportunities