By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Greater Accra Regional Minister Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo has said the government will do everything within its power to uphold the culture of the Ga people while promoting national peace and unity.
Her comments come on the back of the ongoing public discourse concerning the proposed substitution of “Akwaaba” with “Oobake” at the Kotoka International Airport and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, all situated in the national capital, Accra.
In a statement issued here, the Regional Minister observed that the Ga people on whose land the capital is located have the right to raise legitimate concerns about the preservation and promotion of their culture.
She, however, emphasized that Ghana as a nation must be built on unity in diversity, as the strength of the people lies in the coexistence of the various ethnic groups and the government will work to promote Ghana’s unity.
“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. Together, we shall continue to uphold our cultural heritage while promoting unity, peace, and development across our beloved nation,” said the minister.
“In this regard, I assure all stakeholders that the government will engage widely, listen attentively, and pursue a balanced approach that honors the Ga-Dangme heritage while safeguarding the unity and inclusiveness that define us as Ghanaians,” she added. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
Find the Press Statement issued by the Greater Accra Regional Minister below;
I wish to address the ongoing public discourse concerning the proposed substitution of “Akwaaba” with “Oobakɛ” at the Kotoka International Airport and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
The Ga people, as the 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. As Minister, I remain fully committed to ensuring that our cultural heritage, traditions and linguistic legacy are respected, protected and preserved for generations to come.
At the same time, it must be emphasized that Ghana is a nation built on unity in diversity. Our strength lies in the coexistence of various ethnic groups whose values and traditions enrich our national identity. Just as the concerns of the Ga people are important, so too would the voices of the Ashanti, the Ewe and all other ethnic groups be treated with equal seriousness, should they raise legitimate matters in the interest of national harmony.
I was married to an Ewe and my children proudly bear Ewe names. 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.
As someone with close family ties to other ethnic communities, I am firmly against any form of tribalism or division. This government is here to work and serve all the people of Ghana without bias. Decisions concerning matters of culture and heritage must therefore be made with sensitivity, broad consultation and national interest at heart.
In this regard, I assure all stakeholders that government will engage widely, listen attentively and pursue a balanced approach that honors the Ga-Dangme heritage while safeguarding the unity and inclusiveness that define us as Ghanaians.
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. Together, we shall continue to uphold our cultural heritage while promoting unity, peace and development across our beloved nation.
Signed
Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo
Greater Accra Regional Minister
