Osɔfo Nii Naate Atswele Agbo Nartey (GaDaŋme Education and Cutural Foundation-USA/ Vice President, American Association of Christian Therapists)
Christianity has blessed Ga communities, but we must be honest: it has also been used, knowingly or unknowingly, as a tool to erode the Ga Language. Let us remember: the gospel of Christ does not erase culture—it fulfills it. To neglect Ga is to neglect the very people God has called us to serve. Another powerful biblical reference I can point to is ‘Acts 6:1–7, when the early church faced complaints from the Hellenist widows being neglected, and the apostles immediately acted to resolve it. The lesson is clear: unity, fairness, and love must guide the church if prayers are to be effective.
In Ga traditional communities, churches often choose to preach in Twi—even when every member understands Ga. Some prefer an English pastor with a Twi interpreter, leaving Ga behind altogether. Painfully, many Ga pastors themselves have joined this pattern. They will lead crusades against Homowo’s ban on noise-making, yet fail to lead crusades for the survival of their own mother tongue, this cannot continue.
The erosion of the Ga language is not accidental. It is the result of repeated choices to sideline it in favor of English and Twi. Therefore, its preservation must also be intentional. Every time we choose to speak Ga, sing Ga, pray in Ga, and teach Ga, we secure spiritual elevation and upliftment for all members, none may suffer spiritual Kwashiokor.. Christian churches must act quickly, by appointing faithful men like Stephen and Mathias to ensure fairness and care for Ga members. In doing so, they preserved unity in the body and protected the power of their fellowship in prayer.
We cannot legislate or force love for our language. True revival begins with the conscience. Every Ga person must ask: “What legacy am I leaving for my children if I abandon the tongue of my fathers?”
In our churches: We must advocate for at least one Ga-language service per month—Ga Sundays, Ga hymns, Ga Bible studies. The gospel is most powerful in the language of the heart.
In our homes: Parents and grandparents must speak Ga to their children. If Ga dies at home, it dies everywhere.
We must insist on speaking Ga in interviews. When journalists request Twi, politely decline: “This concerns the Ga community; I will speak in Ga.” This forces media houses to adapt and creates demand for Ga interpreters.
Strengthen GaDangme associations to lobby churches and media houses.
Use Homowo and other festivals to proudly showcase Ga language, attire, and heritage to the youth.
Platforms: Create Ga podcasts, YouTube channels, gospel music, and social media content to make the language vibrant and attractive to the next generation.
Churches and community centers can run free Ga literacy classes, especially for children who attend English-only schools.
The revival begins with us. Speak Ga. Sing Ga. Stand for Ga.
Osɔfo Nii Naate Atswele Agbo Nartey
