In an effort to promote and preserve the indigenous language, Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey has instructed the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s (AMA) Metro Education Unit to boldly inscribe “Oobakɛ,” the Ga word for welcome, at the gates of all basic schools in the city.
As per the Mayor, the placement of “Oobaakɛ” at school gates would function as a cultural reminder and an educational tool, introducing students to the language and fostering a sense of pride and identity in them.
During a working visit to the Martyrs of Uganda R/C Basic School in Mamprobi, the Ministry of Health (MOH) Basic School, the 28th February Road Primary & Kindergarten, and the Peter Odartey Lamptey Memorial JHS on Thursday, the mayor issued the directive to welcome new students to school and distribute stationery.
“As Mayor, I will ensure that the Ga language is taught in all schools in the metropolis. It is our heritage and must be passed on to the younger generation,” Hon. Allotey encouraged the Ga language instructor at the Martyrs of Uganda R/C Basic School to do everything in her power to teach the language to students.
In addition to interacting with the students during his visits, Hon. Allotey personally taught them how to welcome and greet people in the Ga language, emphasising the value of youngsters valuing the local way of life while striving for academic success.
He emphasised that maintaining and advancing local languages remained a top priority for the Assembly’s cultural and educational agenda and promised that the Assembly would collaborate closely with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and pertinent stakeholders to guarantee that Ga instruction was appropriately incorporated into the curriculum of Accra’s schools.
As part of attempts to create a more inclusive and heritage-conscious city, the Mayor promised that the AMA would keep launching programs that support the Ga people’s cultural knowledge and identity.
