Editorial
‘Oobakè’,‘Akwaaba’ brouhaha: Why re-invent the wheel?
Dear Editor,
I HAVE followed with a concerning interest, the ‘Oobake’ euphoria in recent weeks among a section of Ghanaians, particularly and dangerously on social media, and I dare say that may be misguided right from the outset, risking to polarize our tourism terrain.
Rather than improve our tourism [even within the Ga -Dangbe enclave], that move for me, may lead to a wane of interest in Ghana’s tourism.
It is worth reeling back to the period between mid-1990s to early 2000s when similar banter between Bonwire (Asante) and Kpetoe (Volta) over an unnecessary claim as to who were the originators of kente in Ghana.
That development almost tore apart the kente industry in Ghana as far as tourism was concerned. I believe the likes of Messrs. Frank Kofigah, W. Nkunu Akyea, E. Komla, among others will be too willing to attest to that.
So, what about Oobake? Is it relevant? Certainly yes. But, it must be complementary; it cannot forcibly replace the trade word, – call it the catchword or the golden word – “Akwaaba”, that for all these years, has been synonymous to Ghana, the world over.
‘Akwaaba’ is more of a generic word of welcome in Ghana. The whole world knows that word and its pertinence to Ghana, next to Nkrumah.
Therefore, in an effort to brand, does it take replacing completely what resounds so much about Ghana in every part of the globe? How difficult would that be?
More importantly, will it inure to the benefit of national and sectional interests, overall? Again, won’t such a move rather open a Pandora’s Box that will only end up in balkanizing Ghana’s cultural tourism, and negatively affecting the nation and its people as a whole?
I may be a novice in marketing. However, we may dare make this analogy of the oldest surviving brewery [company] in Ghana: Accra brewery.
With all her attempts to re-brand, re-set and introduce new products, they (ABL) have never taken out (and cannot make the mistake to replace) ‘Club’ or superimpose any other name or brand/or slogan – be it Shandy or Charlie How, etc., on the popular Club; all those would rather be popularised under the ‘house-name’: ‘Club.’
Likewise, “Oobake” (Ga) – and by extension, others such as “Woezò” (Ewe), Maraaba (Dagbani), etc. – can only be used in appropriate contexts.
For example, in my practice as a tour guide and also as a master-trainer of tour guides, I, like most professionally-trained tour guides, use ‘Akwaaba’ as the generic word of welcome, but also know when to introduce the guests to other local vocal forms of welcome such as Oobake.
Thus, we move from the generic to the specific, in this case, making both words relevant in our tourism and expression of our identity in particular.
So much has gone into our tourism industry to this point, and we cannot afford to lose it.
Cosmos Ata Sracooh
Tour Guide and Master-trainer in Tour Guiding
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Dear Editor,
I WRITE to express my growing concern about the increasing display of adult content on some television stations in the country.
These programmes, often aired during hours when children are most likely to be watching, pose a serious threat to their moral development and general well-being.
Television remains one of the strongest influences on young people, and stations have a responsibility to ensure that their content reflects the values we seek to instil in our society.
Unfortunately, some channels appear to prioritise sensationalism and profit over public safety and decency.
Such content not only exposes children to material they are not prepared to process but also undermines parents’ efforts to guide their behaviour.
I call on the National Media Commission (NMC) and other regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring and enforce stricter guidelines to protect viewers, especially minors.
Broadcasters must be reminded of their duty to promote responsible and wholesome programming.
Our airwaves should uplift, educate, and inform — not endanger the moral fabric of the next generation.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Accra
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Dear Editor,
I AM writing to share my thoughts on the ongoing issue at Wesley Girls’ Senior High School, which has attracted national attention after the Deputy Attorney General released a statement in court.
The matter is about whether Muslim students are being denied the right to freely practice their religion, and whether they are being compelled to follow practices that go against their faith.
To me, this is not just a legal issue but a question of fairness and respect in our schools.
While the Constitution guarantees every student the right to practice their faith, schools also have traditions and rules that must be respected. As the saying goes, “When you go to Rome, you do what Romans do.” If a teacher is teaching, it is not right for a student to suddenly leave for prayers. That disrupts learning.
Instead, schools should provide a clear time and place for worship, so that students can honour their faith without disturbing academic work. There is time for everything; time to learn, and time to pray.
Wesley Girls SHS can continue to uphold its Methodist heritage while also respecting the rights of Muslim students.
This compromise will protect unity and ensure that our schools remain places of both discipline and inclusion.
Princess Wonovi
Accra
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