Ghanaian Local Slag Article That Uses "Akata" As a Ghanaian Slang For African-Americans

Sunday, 1 June 2025

By: TB Obwoge

I have started writing a series of children's books about my horrible time living in Ghana. Even though I was born and raised as a Black American in the united states, I found Ghanaians to be more concerned about a person's skin color than a racist in the United States.

I have never had the prices for any service, item or apartment raised for me because of the color of my skin. Though I know it happens to Black people in the U.S.

However, every where I went in Ghana my skin determined how I would be treated. I find it comical that so many have said to me, "well Ghanaians worship white people so they didn't treat you badly!" Which angers me as if I made up the horror stories of my time there, no one would do that if people were kind to them, no one.

I was either made to feel unwelcomed, or as if I was a personal bank for Ghanaians to just randomly approach. That by far was bizarre, some people would fell compelled to give the money, possibly believing they'd be harmed if they didn't hand over the money.

However the fact that as I was editing my newest children's book I found an article written with that dergatory Nigerian term explained as a Ghanaian slang term.

The ultimate guide to Ghanaian Slang

Ghana is a country with seven major languages, and here are a few key words for visitors to pepper in conversation.

Akata: a foreigner, usually an African-American

Source: TimeOut.Com

Here is a bit from a few articles that explain the origins of 'AKATA', why anyone thinks that it's appropriate to give any group of people a name shows it is from pure ignorance, hatred or jealousy.

The term Akata is a West African term for Black Americans. It is generally considered derogatory, a slur in fact. Okorafor uses the work in the titles of the books in the Insibidi Series: Akata Witch, Akata Warrior, and more recently Akata Woman. She was recently a guest on The New Yorker’s Radio Hour, a show hosted by Vinson Cunningham. During the interview, she talked at length about the term Akata, what it means, and why she chose to use it in her titles in spite of its negative connotations.

Source: BitterPaper.Com

The use of such terms can be hurtful and offensive to Black Americans, as it dismisses their unique history and identity. It also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and hinders efforts to build solidarity and understanding between Africans and the African diaspora.

Yet, in 2025 Africans all over the continent as well as the world are using it and refuse to stop. It's clear that living in Ghana many Ghanaians have desire for Black Americans. I know why Black Americans are proclaiming their love for Ghana because Black Americans in Ghana live segregated, I hardly ever came accross another Black American in my entire 2 years in the country.

I only saw a few that were visiting the country, though I lived there I never felt safe. They almost never allowed me to feel safe or wanted in Ghana. They made the worst comments ever and they focused on skin and looks more than they ever did when I lived in Kenya.

My first children's book was recently published on Amazon and here is the link and the cover.

You can find this book and others in the upcomig series as well, thank you for reading.

Lacey's House is a gender equality women's and children's rights nonprofit/ngo

©️TB Obwoge 2025 All Rights Reserved