The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has directed the Metro Education Unit of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to boldly inscribe the Ga word for welcome, “Oobaakɛ”, at the entrances of all basic schools in the metropolis to promote and preserve the indigenous language.
According to the Mayor, the inscription of “Oobaakɛ” at school entrances would serve as both a cultural reminder and an educational tool, exposing pupils to the language while instilling in them a sense of identity and pride.
Mr. Allotey gave the directive on Thursday 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, where he distributed stationery and welcomed new entrants.
Interacting with the Ga language teacher at the Martyrs of Uganda R/C Basic School, the Mayor urged her to make every effort to effectively impart the language to pupils.
“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,” he said.
During his visits, Mr. Allotey also engaged with pupils and personally taught them how to greet and welcome others in Ga, stressing the importance of children appreciating their local culture while pursuing academic excellence.
He further assured that the Assembly would collaborate with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and other stakeholders to ensure the proper integration of Ga language teaching into the school curriculum. He emphasised that the preservation and promotion of local languages remained a priority in the Assembly’s cultural and educational agenda.
The Mayor pledged that the AMA would continue to roll out programmes that promote the cultural awareness and identity of the Ga people as part of efforts to build a more inclusive and heritage-conscious city.
Source: 3news.com
