Word From Ghana: A Word of Welcome

• A single word can carry a whole welcome.

Not applicable for shorts.

Language region to be confirmed with fluent speakers.

Setting in the series: Northern Ghana — Cultural exploration area.

Akwaaba

Twi (Akan)

Welcome — the greeting travellers meet all over Ghana.

A painted sign at the door read “Akwaaba”.

“Ɔhafоɔ nyɛ ahɔho.”

An Akan idea behind Akwaaba: a guest is never a stranger for long.

• Akwaaba is Twi for “welcome”, and travellers often see it on signs when they arrive in Ghana.
• Ghana is home to many languages, including Twi, Ewe, Ga, Dagbani, Fante and Hausa.

• Language reviewer pending — To be credited once confirmed.

In the story: Kwaku Ananse

Say it out loud

1. Listen to the word.
2. Say it three times.
3. Use it to greet someone today.

• Under a minute. Suitable for all ages.
• Pronunciation audio to follow.

More guidance on the For Grown-Ups page.

• Ghana — Encyclopaedia Britannica — General reference for Ghana's geography, peoples, languages and history.
• Ghana Museums & Monuments Board — National body responsible for Ghana's museums, forts and heritage sites.
• Ananse Adventures editorial review — Cultural and historical detail is checked with advisors and fluent speakers before an episode is published.