Cultural activist Nii Kwardey Ntreh from the Ga Mantse Palace provided insightful clarity on the meaning and usage of the lesser-known Ga greeting, ‘Oobakɛ.’ Speaking on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z on August 30, 2025, he explained that the greeting – which translates to “you shall surely come” – carries an inherent expectation, particularly toward foreigners settling among the Ga people.
Though rarely used in everyday speech—where “atuu” is typically preferred—Ntreh noted that “Oobakɛ” remains prominent in traditional and customary contexts, especially among elders and cultural gatekeepers.
The clarification followed conversations sparked by Ga activists who questioned the lack of Ga-language greetings on public signage, particularly at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. Their efforts led to a revised inscription reflecting Ga identity.
The issue extended further to popular calls for replacing “Akwaaba” with “Oobakɛ” at Kotoka International Airport—a proposal that has ignited meaningful dialogue about cultural representation and identity in Ghana’s capital city.
