In recent days, a wave of social media speculation claimed the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) had replaced the culturally resonant inscriptions “Woezor” and “Akwaaba” on signage at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park with the word “Oobake”.
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The rumors sparked confusion and debate across Ghana’s online platforms—but the GTA has now issued a strong denial, affirming these claims are false.
Official Statement from the GTA
In a statement issued by GTA Chief Executive Officer Maame Efua Houadjeto, the authority firmly denied authorizing or approving any alteration of the iconic inscriptions “Woezor” (Ewe for “welcome”) and “Akwaaba” (Akan for “welcome”). Both remain intact and continue to reflect Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
The statement emphasized that any change to national monument signage requires consultation with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and other regulatory bodies. The GTA urged the public to disregard misinformation and instead rely on its official channels for updates.
Cultural Significance of the Inscriptions
Signage like “Akwaaba” and “Woezor” are more than mere words—they are symbols of Ghana’s tradition of hospitality. These inscriptions mark many of Ghana’s entry points, tourist sites, and cultural landmarks. Replacing them with unfamiliar phrases would directly counter long-standing efforts to showcase Ghana’s heritage and identity to locals and visitors alike.
Social media posts questioned why such a change would be made without public notice. In response, the GTA reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to preserving national pride and unity through responsible cultural stewardship.
Public Reaction to the Controversy
Many Ghanaians expressed concern over the alleged change, worried it signified a lack of respect for cultural dignity in public spaces. Others criticized the handling of the issue, noting that authorities should have responded earlier to debunk rumors and prevent widespread confusion.
Following the GTA’s official response, conversations shifted from panic and outrage to calls for clearer communication from agencies entrusted with preserving national heritage.
GTA Calls for Calm and Media Discipline
The GTA used its statement to remind stakeholders—media, public influencers, and citizens—to verify information before sharing. It underscored that speculative posts can lead to unnecessary unrest and damage institutional credibility.
To bolster trust, the authority asked the public to rely on updates through its official platforms moving forward. The appeal reflects a growing awareness of how unverified rumors can spiral rapidly, especially when national symbols are involved.
The Role of Digital Literacy in Cultural Preservation
This episode highlights the need for responsible online behavior and media literacy. As rumors about signage alterations spread quickly online, it became clear that public perception is highly influenced by social media narratives, not necessarily facts.
When cultural icons are involved, the ripple effects of misinformation can be even more potent. Ghana’s experience underscores the importance of verifying claims—especially those affecting national identity—before they become viral.
Fostering Trust and Cultural Respect
To mend the breach of trust caused by the rumor, the GTA plans to:
- Ensure forthcoming public communications are accompanied by verified visuals or statements regarding cultural landmarks
- Collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture on awareness campaigns about Ghana’s heritage sites
- Engage local communities and influencers in reinforcing the importance of accurate information dissemination
By promoting transparency, education, and respect for cultural symbols, the GTA hopes to rebuild public confidence and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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The Ghana Tourism Authority’s swift and clear denial of the signage controversy at Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park has quelled fears and reaffirmed important cultural values. The event serves as a reminder of the power social media holds in shaping public opinion—and the responsibility that comes with it.
Through this experience, Ghana has an opportunity to strengthen its institutional transparency, public trust, and collective commitment to preserving national identity.
