A proposal to replace or complement the familiar Twi greeting “Akwaaba” with the Ga word “Oobakɛ” at Kotoka International Airport has sparked a wider national debate over language, identity, and cultural recognition in Ghana’s capital.

The discussion, which has drawn reactions from traditional leaders, civil society, and political figures, centers on calls by some indigenous Ga communities for the country's premier international gateway to more visibly reflect the heritage of the land’s original custodians. The airport and nearby Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park currently feature welcome signs in Twi and Ewe, but not in Ga — a perceived slight to the Ga people, whose ancestral territory encompasses Accra.

Linda Ocloo, Greater Accra Regional Minister, weighed in on Friday, acknowledging the legitimacy of the concerns. “The Ga people, as custodians of the land on which our capital city stands, have every right to raise legitimate concerns about the preservation and promotion of their language and cultural identity,” Ocloo said in a statement.

The minister's remarks come amid rising cultural assertiveness among Ga leaders, who argue that their language has been marginalized in the public sphere despite their foundational role in Accra’s development.

While affirming the Ga community’s right to cultural exexpression,Madam Ocloo emphasized that Ghana’s identity must continue to be defined by “unity in diversity,” urging against the politicization or ethnic polarization of cultural discourse. “My own family reflects the diversity that makes Ghana unique, and I stand firmly against any interpretation that seeks to pit one ethnic group against another,” she said.

The government, according to Ocloo, will undertake broad-based consultations before reaching any final decision on the matter. She underscored that efforts to promote Ga heritage must be seen not as divisive, but as contributing to a more inclusive national identity.

“Let it be clear: the preservation of Ga culture is not in opposition to national cohesion. Rather, it is an integral part of our collective identity,” she said.

The debate underscores a broader challenge for multiethnic Ghana, where language and symbolism carry significant weight in public representation and national institutions. While “Akwaaba” has long served as a de facto national welcome, calls for linguistic plurality are gaining traction — particularly in areas where cultural groups feel overlooked.

As discussions unfold, observers say the outcome could set a precedent for how Ghana balances cultural visibility with national unity — at its most symbolic front doors.