Time to reclaim our true national identity as we prepare for Ghana at 70

As Ghana draws the curtain on yet another Heritage Month, the vibrant celebrations of our food, fashion, music, and traditions once again fade into memory—until next year.

While these annual displays are commendable, they raise a deeper question: Are we truly committed to preserving our heritage, or are we merely performing it?

With Ghana approaching 70 years of independence, His Excellency President Mahama’s impact on the floor of the U.N to see colonialism as a crime against humanity makes the moment special and calls for more than a symbolic celebration.

It demands deliberate action—especially in confronting the lingering imprints of colonialism that continue to shape our national identity.

One of the most visible yet overlooked legacies of colonial rule lies in the names of our towns and communities.

Long before European contact, these places bore meaningful indigenous names rooted in our languages and histories. However, colonial administrators, unable to pronounce local dialects, altered or misspelt them—distortions that persist to this day.

Why, after nearly seven decades of independence, have we not corrected these inaccuracies?

Consider a few examples. “Gbugblan” became Prampram. “Edina” was transformed into Elmina. “Esim” turned into Axim, while “Infuma” is now known as Dixcove.

These are not mere spelling variations—they are erasures of identity.

Even more concerning is the continued use of colonial distortions such as “Ashanti” instead of “Asante,” “Akim” for “Akyem,” “Brong” for “Bono,” and “Sefwi” in place of “Sahie.” These names are not just labels; they are carriers of history, culture, and pride. Yet we have normalised their misrepresentation.

Some traditional leaders and policymakers point to the high cost and complexity of change. Colonial-era spellings are deeply embedded in official documents, maps, and legal systems.

Altering them would require significant administrative and financial investment.

At independence, maintaining these spellings was seen as a way to avoid confusion.

While these concerns are valid, they should not become excuses for inaction.

Restoring our indigenous names is not merely a linguistic exercise—it is a reclaiming of identity.

If we are serious about promoting local languages and cultural values, then correcting these historical distortions must be part of the agenda.

Practical steps to take
Practical steps can begin immediately. The Ghana Education Service can introduce both colonial and indigenous names in textbooks, helping students understand their origins.

Schools can adopt dual-name signboards, gradually familiarising the public with the correct forms.

Government institutions and local assemblies can implement phased changes in official documents, while maps and atlases can include explanatory notes.

Traditional authorities, through festivals and community events, can lead public awareness efforts by highlighting authentic names and their meanings.
The media also has a role to play.

Radio, television, and digital platforms can educate the public on the history behind these names, ensuring that the conversation reaches a wider audience.

Reclaiming our names is not about rejecting history—it is about correcting it.

It is about telling our story in our own voice.

As we look forward to our 70th anniversary, let this be the beginning of a more intentional journey—one that moves beyond celebration to restoration.

— The Writer is a journalist, pastor, and Head of Faculty at the Rosebank International University College (RIUC) in Accra.