The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has firmly dismissed claims circulating on social media that culturally significant greetings on the signage at the newly refurbished Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park have been replaced with unfamiliar inscriptions.
The clarification follows a viral Instagram post alleging that the traditional greetings “Woezor” (Ewe) and “Akwaaba” (Akan) had been removed and substituted with “Oobakɛ,” a Ga-language greeting. The post sparked widespread concern among Ghanaians, many of whom view these greetings as vital symbols of the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
In an official rejoinder issued on Wednesday, August 27, GTA Chief Executive Officer Maame Efua Houadjeto described the allegations as “false and misleading,” emphasizing that the Authority had neither ordered nor approved any changes to the inscriptions.
“We wish to categorically state that at no point has the Ghana Tourism Authority ordered or approved the replacement of the culturally significant greetings ‘Woezor’ and ‘Akwaaba’ with ‘Oobakɛ’,” Houadjeto stated.
The GTA further clarified that it does not hold exclusive authority over signage modifications at the national monument. Any decision to alter inscriptions would require formal consultation and approval from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, as well as other relevant agencies.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and urged the public to disregard misinformation. It also encouraged citizens to continue supporting the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, describing it as a “symbol of national pride and unity.”
The controversy comes amid broader discussions about linguistic representation in public spaces, particularly on Ga lands. While some Ga community members have advocated for greater inclusion of their language in national monuments, GTA officials stressed that any such changes must follow due process and reflect Ghana’s multicultural identity.
