Ga Lessons

Learn Ga: A Beginner’s Guide for the Diaspora

Reconnect with your heritage through the Ga language, spoken by the Ga people of Accra and surrounding areas. Whether you’re learning to greet elders, shopping in the market, or simply embracing your roots, these basics will help you start with confidence.

🌍 Introduction to Ga

  • Ga is the language of the Ga people, one of the major ethnic groups in Ghana, centered in Greater Accra.

  • It is known for its short, rhythmic words and strong cultural identity.

  • Learning Ga opens the door to the traditions, festivals (like Homowo), and community spirit of Accra.

👋 Common Greetings in Ga

  • Ojekoo → Good morning / Good day (general greeting)

  • Oyiwala don → Good evening

  • Oyiwala dɔŋŋ → Good afternoon

  • Oyiwala shwie → Good night

  • Miiŋa bo? → How are you?

  • Miisheɛ bo → I’m fine

  • Shika mli → See you later

(Tip: Greetings are very important — always acknowledge others before asking anything.)

🗣️ Basic Everyday Phrases

  • Oyiwala → Hello / Hi

  • Oyiwalaɔ → Thank you

  • Nɔ → Yes

  • Kɛ → No

  • Bɔɔ niŋ → Sorry

  • Shiɛŋŋ → Come here

  • Ɛyɛɔ? → Really?

🍴 Food & Market Phrases

  • Ni feeɔ? → How much is this?

  • Miyaa... → I want...

  • Mibe dzi → I am eating

  • Miyaa shikɔ → I need money

  • Nsuo → Water

  • Kɔmi ke kelewele → Ga dish of fermented corn + spicy plantain

  • Kenkey → Staple Ga food made from fermented corn dough

👪 Family & Relationships

  • Agbaa → Father

  • Naa → Mother

  • Bii → Child

  • Nɔ niŋ → Brother

  • Naa niŋ → Sister

  • Mi nɔ → My sibling

  • Mido mi → I love you

🔑 Numbers in Ga

1 – Ekome
2 – Ebii
3 – Ete
4 – Enɛɛ
5 – Enumɔ
10 – Nyɔŋma
20 – Ni awɔi
100 – Ekome kɛ nyɔŋma

🎵 Cultural Notes

  • Ga culture is rich with festivals, drumming, and food — Homowo is one of the biggest celebrations, meaning “hooting at hunger.”

  • Proverbs are an essential part of wisdom. Example:

    • “Kɛ shi shika, ɛbaa shikpon.”

    • Meaning: “If you look after money, it will look after you.”

  • Even simple greetings in Ga can instantly connect you with elders and the Ga community in Accra and abroad.

📚 Next Steps

  • Practice greetings daily — start every conversation in Ga.

  • Label items around the house in Ga.

  • Listen to Ga highlife songs and repeat simple words.

  • Try short chats with elders, family, or friends who speak Ga.