ODORGONNO SHS @ 85: Ga Mantse calls for restoration of Ga language in educational curriculum

The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education to take urgent steps to reintegrate the Ga language and culture into the national educational curriculum.

Speaking at the 85th Anniversary Celebration of the Odorgonno Senior High School in Accra on Friday, the Ga Mantse emphasized that the Ga culture is not a costume to be worn once a year, but the very identity and heritage of the Ga people.

“Our culture isn’t a costume we wear once every year. It is who we are—it is the base of our ethnicity, our identity, and our ancestry. We have a responsibility to bring Ga culture back into our classrooms and to speak our mother tongue with pride,” he stated.

The Ga Mantse called for a partnership with the Ministry of Education to integrate Ga language education into the GES curriculum and proposed the digitalization of Ga history through educational mobile applications.

“We want to see our rich history uploaded onto every smartphone through educational apps. It is time we used technology to preserve and promote our heritage,” he added.

Highlighting the growing challenge of youth unemployment despite rising education levels, the Ga Mantse noted the paradox of young graduates struggling to find jobs while employers are on the lookout for job-ready talents.

He urged education stakeholders to bridge this gap through practical and culturally grounded reforms.

In a gesture of support for academic excellence, the Ga Mantse announced that the Ga Paramount Stool, in collaboration with the Ga Mantse Foundation and the Ga Traditional Council, will award five scholarships to outstanding final-year students of the school who excel in their examinations.

The scholarships will cover any tertiary institution in the country.

He also revealed that he had reached an agreement with the school's alumni to refurbish the institution, further demonstrating his commitment to education and development within the Ga State.

On his part, Headmaster of Odorgonno Senior High School, Mr. Patrick Mensah, called for a renewed commitment to discipline and cultural integration in the education sector as the school marks its 85th Anniversary and Ga Cultural Day celebration.

Mr. Mensah expressed profound gratitude to His Royal Majesty, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, traditional leaders, dignitaries, and the Odorgonno SHS community for their presence and continuous support.

"This milestone is not just a number; it reflects our enduring spirit as a people and as an institution. The legacy of the Ga people—their customs, language, and traditions—continues to enrich Ghana's national identity and inspire future generations," Mr. Mensah stated.

He emphasized the need to integrate cultural values and traditional knowledge into modern education, describing it as essential to youth development in Ghana.

"Our unique status as a metropolitan school presents both opportunities and challenges. While we celebrate our achievements, we cannot overlook pressing issues like the absence of a science laboratory, inadequate staff accommodation, and the decline in academic performance linked to poor discipline," he said.

Mr. Mensah revealed that despite Odorgonno SHS being staffed with 210 personnel, there remains a shortfall of about 50 staff members.

The school currently serves 3,881 students, with 54% being girls.

However, he noted that discipline and academic excellence have been on the decline.

"In 2021-2022, when we enforced strict discipline, over 84% of our students qualified for university education. Sadly, that number dropped to 76% in 2023 and further to 55% in 2024.

The erosion of discipline, fueled by stakeholder interference and over-reliance on human rights, has compromised our academic standards," he disclosed.

The Headmaster welcomed the Education Minister's recent call for the dismissal of students who exhibit gross misconduct, affirming Odorgonno SHS's commitment to restoring its legacy of discipline and excellence.

He further outlined an ambitious vision to establish a Visual Arts and Film Museum on campus, which will serve as a center for preserving Ghanaian artifacts, supporting academic research, and promoting cultural pride.

"I appeal to the leadership of the Ga State and other stakeholders to support the establishment of this cultural edifice. Odorgonno is an authentic Ghanaian institution whose identity must be celebrated," he urged.

Mr. Mensah acknowledged the significant contributions of individuals and organizations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the MP for Anyaa-Sowutuom, Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, and the Municipal Chief Executive for their ongoing support.

Mr. Mensah announced that, in honor of the school's cultural day, every student, especially those from distant communities, would be treated to authentic Ga kenkey, shito, and fish, to immerse themselves in the rich culture of the Ga people.

He also underscored the importance of promoting the Ga language in schools as part of efforts to safeguard Ghana's cultural heritage.

Taking his turn, Reverend David Conduah, Aide to Rev. Canon Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, called on Ghanaians, especially the youth, to hold firmly to their cultural values and traditions, warning that neglecting them is akin to rivers turning away from their sources.

Speaking on behalf of renowned evangelist, Rev. Canon Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, Rev. Conduah underscored the importance of preserving Ghana’s indigenous identity.

“A people who neglect their culture and traditions are like rivers that neglect their sources. Our Ga culture, like that of all tribes in Ghana, is more than festivals and attire; it reflects our identity, values, and legacy for generations yet unborn,” he said.

Rev. Conduah commended Odorgonno SHS for championing the celebration of culture, adding that education must go beyond academic achievements to nurture pride in one's heritage.

“I applaud Odorgonno for this initiative. You have shown that true education is not confined to books and exams but also about instilling pride in who we are as a people,” he remarked.

Quoting Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, Rev. Conduah cautioned against misconceptions that cultural expression equates to idol worship, stressing that Ghana’s rich traditions are rooted in values that align with scripture.

“Our rich culture emanates from biblical principles, and we must embrace it with confidence,” he stated, adding that many young people today are losing their cultural roots, unable to speak their native languages or even greet elders with respect.

“It is sad to note that many parents now encourage their children to learn other languages while neglecting their own. In some churches, sermons are translated into Twi even in Ga-speaking communities,” he lamented.

Rev. Conduah cited Proverbs 22:28, which warns against removing ancient landmarks set by ancestors, urging citizens to protect Ghana's cultural heritage as a cornerstone of national development.

He also decried the erosion of traditional values such as respect for elders, good manners, and community responsibility, particularly among the youth.

“When we were growing up, we stood up to greet elders, offered our seats, and helped the vulnerable. Sadly, these values are disappearing,” he observed.

In his closing remarks, Rev. Conduah urged the students of Odorgonno SHS and the wider community to hold fast to their traditions and demonstrate pride in their cultural identity, especially to those visiting their land.

“Let us cherish our heritage, respect our elders, and uphold the values passed down by our ancestors. That is the foundation of our strength as a people,” he concluded.

The event, held under the patronage of His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, forms part of Odorgonno SHS's continued efforts to promote cultural pride alongside academic excellence.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith