In response to the heated online debate over replacing the ‘Akwaaba’ sign at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park with the Ga word ‘Oobake,’ Greater Accra Regional Minister Madam Linda Ocloo has urged for calm.
She cautioned against the political spin and propaganda that have been introduced into the discussion, calling it unhealthy for national unity.
Madam Ocloo acknowledged that while Greater Accra is a diverse, cosmopolitan region, the traditional custodians of the land deserve respect.
During an interview on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s “Frontline,” she stated that there’s nothing wrong with the Ga people requesting that the ‘Akwaaba’ and ‘Woezor’ signs be replaced with ‘Oobake,’ drawing a parallel to how other regions, such as the Volta or Ashanti regions, might make similar requests without it being seen as a problem.
“The propaganda and political twist this issue has taken is not the best,” she told host Kwabena Agyapong. “The fact that Gas are making this appeal or demand doesn’t mean they claim the region for only Greater Accra people. The Ga-Adangbe are the custodians of the region. It’s the same in the Volta Region; the Voltarians are the custodians of the land, but that doesn’t mean they claim superiority over others.”
The minister stressed the need for caution in how the issue is handled, calling for calm. She views the request from the Ga traditional leaders as a reasonable appeal that shouldn’t be politicised.
“As the Greater Accra Regional Minister, I have to respect the decision and authority of the traditional rulers,” she said. “They aren’t saying the other tribes living with us are inferior. We have all contributed to transforming the region, but we have to respect the authority of the traditional leaders.”
Madam Ocloo emphasised that the public debate over the sign change is “unhealthy” and should not be encouraged. “Let’s stop it; peace is paramount, and as a Minister, my core responsibility is to ensure that. If changing the name is what will bring peace to the region, let’s do it for them,” she stated.
Madam Ocloo further clarified that the Ga people’s request was not motivated by malice or hatred towards other tribes.
“We have lived together in the region and will continue to do so,” she affirmed, urging everyone to avoid sentiments that could disrupt their peaceful coexistence. “Personally, I am part of many different tribes. We are one people, irrespective of where we come from, so let’s all respect each other and live together peacefully.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana