FACT-CHECK: Video of Ga Mantse referencing ‘oobakɛ’ is unrelated to recent ‘welcome wars’

Claim: Ga Mantsɛ wades into Akwaaba vs. Oobakɛ controversy on social media

Source: Social media users 

Verdict: False 

Researched by Alfa Shaban

In late August 2025, significant conversations on social media platforms, X, Facebook, and YouTube, were centred around welcome inscriptions at two national monuments – the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

With respect to the mausoleum, some users suggested that the use of Akwaaba (Akan) and Woezor (Ewe) inscriptions on the signage outside the facility was an affront to the Ga people and their language. 

Ga is the language of the Ga-Adangbe, who are the dominant tribe in the Greater Accra Region.   

Oobakɛ, the Ga term for welcome, was subsequently “replaced” on the viral mausoleum signage. The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) subsequently issued a statement clarifying that the change was not sanctioned by the office. 

The Ga Mantsɛ video

In the midst of the conversations online, a 24-second video showing Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantsɛ speaking about the use of oobakɛ instead of Akwaaba, gained significant traction. The video was shared to create the impression that the monarch had made direct comments in relation to the inscription wars taking place online.

“And to Accra, the heartbeat of the nation. We say, ‘wɔ kɛɛ, bo, obakɛ.’ So instead of saying Akwaaba, we say ‘obakɛ,’ can you say that? Obakɛ!” the Ga Mantse is heard saying in a video shared by Nii Dzanie TV on Facebook (archived here).

Showbiz personality, Afia Schwazenegger, referenced the said video in a stern critique of the Ga Mantsɛ, while Good Evening Ghana host, Paul Adom-Otchere, also cited the said video in one of his presentations. 

Other social media users have shared the video with specific narratives (here, here, here).

This report will ascertain whether the monarch had waded into the ongoing conversation.

Fact-check

GhanaFact traced the viral video of the Ga Mantse using Google Reverse Image Search. We found the following: 

1. The video was from a June 17, 2025, event at his palace in Accra.
2. The Ga Mantse was hosting the visiting Mayor of London.
3. His comment was directed at the visiting Mayor and his delegation.

A longer transcript of his comment captures him making a clear reference to the visiting London Mayor.  

“Rt. Hon. Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of the city of London … It is a pleasure to welcome you to Ghana, Sir, and to Accra, the heartbeat of the nation. We say, ‘wɔ kɛɛ, bo, obakɛ.’ So instead of saying Akwaaba, we are saying ‘obakɛ,’ can you say that? Obakɛ!” the Ga Mantse said to a brief applause.

Despite attending a number of public events related to the 2025 Homowo festival, our review of the speeches shows that he did not wade into the ‘welcome’ war controversies explicitly.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister is the only high-profile Ga personality who has waded into the conversation, stating her support for the school of thought that Ga inscriptions be given priority.

Verdict

The claim that the Ga Mantse has commented on the ‘Akwaaba vs. Oobakɛ’ issue is False, and the viral video is misleading.