Entertainment critic and artiste manager Nana Poku Ashis has strongly defended the right of the Ga Traditional Council to change the iconic “Akwaaba” welcome signages on some monuments in Accra to the Ga word “Oobakɛ.”
According to him, the Council has every right to preserve both its land and its traditions.
Speaking during a discussion on Hitz FM regarding the ongoing public debate, Ashis questioned the opposition to the change, arguing that the traditional authority should be allowed to determine how it represents itself on its own land.
“If the Traditional Council says they want to change it to Oobakɛ, what’s the big deal? If that’s how they want it, they should bring their suggested names and symbols, let them bring it. After all, it’s their tradition they want to preserve. It is their land. Why don’t people want to understand?” Ashis stated.
‘Akwaaba’, ‘Woezor’ signage replaced with ‘Oobakɛ’ at Nkrumah Memorial Park
He dismissed arguments that the well-known “Akwaaba” greeting had been successfully marketed worldwide, noting that a new generation is emerging and the Ga people have the right to promote their own language for the future.
“If they want to sell Oobakɛ for the next 50 years, just agree and let’s move on. We are on their land,” he added.
Ashis emphasised that as long as the proposal comes from the Ga Traditional Council, they should be free to implement the change without undue criticism.
ID/MA
Meanwhile, watch as ‘Akwaaba’, ‘Woezor’ signage replaced with ‘Oobake’ at Nkrumah Memorial Park
