Ga Mantse Advocates Visa Reciprocity, Borderless Africa, Despite Ga–Akan Social Media Tribalism Uproar in Ghana

The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has urged the full implementation of visa regimes to transform Africa into a “common home for all Africans,” in a speech delivered at the orientation of Ghana’s newly appointed envoys. His remarks come at a crucial moment, as social media recently erupted in tribal tensions between Ghana’s Ga and Akan communities.

Let us fully implement visa regimes that will make Africa a more common home for all Africans. This is an indispensable part of our pan-African agenda,” King Tsuru pointed out, stressing the need for reciprocal arrangements in immigration for requirements, timelines, and visa processing fees across embassies.

He also encouraged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to elevate cultural diplomacy, positioning traditional leaders at the forefront of showcasing Ghana’s heritage globally, an approach he believes could boost tourism and deepen bilateral ties.

This message of continental solidarity stands in stark contrast to a recent outburst of ethnic discord. Across social media, tensions flared when influencers questioned whether “Akwaaba”, the Akan word for “welcome”, at national landmarks like Kotoka International Airport and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, both located on Ga land, should be replaced with the Ga equivalent, “Oobakɛ”.

Legal scholar Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare (Kwaku Azar) swiftly responded, cautioning against tearing down national symbols and urging Ghanaians to embrace “Akwaaba” as a shared national identity, pointing out that certain words have been nationalised beyond ethnic origins.

Another comment that sparked this wave of tribal tension was the statement by Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ohenewaa Ocloo, who declared that Greater Accra is Ga land.

Others echoed the call. An editorial piece by a Ghanaian news outlet warned of a “dangerous wave of ethnic and tribal sentiments” stoked online by influencers who turned a seemingly minor language debate into a broader identity rift.

In a similar development, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sam Ablakwa, weeks ago debunked a viral claim that an “Igbo Kingdom” is being established in Ghana, clarifying that the individual at the centre of the controversy, Mr Chukwudi Ihenetu, has long abandoned any such intentions and has issued an unreserved apology to the people and leadership of Ghana.

Reaffirming Ghana’s longstanding commitment to hospitality and Pan-African unity, the Foreign Minister emphasised that the country remains welcoming to all Africans and people of African descent. However, he cautioned that guests are expected to respect the nation’s laws and traditions.  

The Ghanaian Government also issued a warning against anti-Nigerian protests in the country, calling on citizens to reject divisive rhetoric and reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peaceful and historic ties with Nigeria.

It is worth noting that the protests sparked by the viral video, amongst other allegations against Nigerians in Ghana, appeared to have been politically motivated. Some politicians are said to have sponsored the protests; for instance, a former presidential candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), Mr Hassan Ayariga, has been linked to the protests. His name was boldly displayed on placards carried by demonstrators.

West Africa Weekly earlier reported that a series of high-stakes provocations, misinformation campaigns, and violent incidents unfolding over the past months suggest a deliberate effort to destabilise West Africa, with Ghana increasingly at the centre.

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