‘Akwaaba’ for decades, the Akan word has served as Ghana’s primary greeting for visitors at entry points, including Kotoka International Airport (KIA). This tradition has positioned Akan culture prominently in Ghana’s tourism and hospitality sectors—sometimes at the expense of other ethnic groups such as the Ga, Ewe, and others. The widespread use of “Akwaaba” has created a strong impression of Akan cultural dominance in national spaces, particularly at KIA, which sits on Ga ancestral lands. The greeting appears on airport signage, promotional materials, and even as the name of the airport’s premium lounge—the “Akwaaba Lounge.”
In recent years, a cultural movement has emerged advocating for greater representation of Ga language and customs at Kotoka International Airport and other iconic sites in Accra. The Ga word “Oobake” (meaning “welcome”) has become the focal point of this campaign.
Proponents argue that as the original custodians of the Accra area, the Ga people deserve prominent cultural representation at Ghana’s foremost gateway to the world. This movement gained momentum after changes at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where “Akwaaba” and “Woezor” (Ewe for welcome) were replaced with “Oobake” on welcome signage, despite earlier denials from tourism authorities.
The conversation has now spilled over to Kotoka International Airport, with campaigners calling for “Oobake” to feature more prominently—or even replace “Akwaaba.” Although some images circulating online of altered airport signage were revealed to be digitally manipulated, the momentum behind the campaign reflects broader calls for cultural equity and recognition among Ghana’s diverse ethnic groups.
The engagement of Ga youth in promoting “Oobake” and other aspects of Ga culture at Kotoka International Airport represents a transformative opportunity for cultural preservation, youth development, and enhanced tourism experiences.
As Ghana continues to establish itself as a leading aviation hub in West Africa, authentic cultural representation will become increasingly important in distinguishing the passenger experience. Few things shape a traveler’s first impression more powerfully than the warmth and authenticity of the welcome they receive.
This initiative aligns perfectly with the Ghana Airports Company Limited’s (GACL) focus on enhancing the passenger journey while fostering meaningful community engagement. The ongoing expansion and repurposing of Terminal 2 presents an ideal opportunity to integrate Ga cultural elements—not as an afterthought, but from the design and planning stages.
Creating roles for young people in hospitality, cultural interpretation, and airport services. Reinforcing the use of Ga language and customs in a prestigious, global-facing environment.
Ensuring Ga heritage is given rightful space within Ghana’s broader cultural narrative. By welcoming visitors with the authentic “Oobake” greeting and showcasing Ga traditions—music, attire, oral heritage, and cuisine—Ga youth can create unforgettable first impressions for travelers while building transferable skills for their futures.
The successful implementation of this initiative would establish KIA as a benchmark for community–cultural engagement in global airport environments. It would demonstrate that transportation infrastructure can serve not only as a hub for commerce and connectivity but also as a living platform for cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and inclusive national storytelling.
✍🏽 Osɔfo Nii Naate Atswele Agbo
