Ghanaian actress Lydia Forson has raised concerns about the growing habit of replacing Ghanaian names, expressions and cultural references with foreign ones.
In a social media post, the actress said the trend may appear harmless when it involves everyday words, but could gradually contribute to the loss of Ghanaian cultural identity.
She cited the changing names of familiar Ghanaian foods and fabrics as examples, pointing to the increasing use of “puff puff” instead of “bofrot” and “Ankara” instead of “ntoma”.
According to Lydia Forson, the issue goes beyond terminology, particularly at a time when Ghana is already facing challenges in preserving its local languages and cultural traditions.
She questioned why Ghanaians are often quick to embrace foreign alternatives while showing less enthusiasm for promoting what is uniquely Ghanaian.
The actress stressed that her concerns should not be interpreted as opposition to other cultures, saying Ghanaians can appreciate other cultures while still preserving their own.
She also criticised what she sees as a contradiction when public figures and leaders encourage citizens to support and promote Ghana while sometimes embracing foreign cultural expressions themselves.
