Lydia Forson warns foreign labels for bofrot and ntoma may erode Ghanaian identity

Pinned summary · as of 05:29

Actress and filmmaker Lydia Forson has criticised a growing habit among Ghanaians of swapping local names and expressions for foreign ones. In a social media post, she argued that small linguistic shifts can add up to a loss of cultural identity. Reports on the post appeared between 27 and 29 September.

What we know

• Ms Forson said Ghanaians are increasingly using terms tied to other countries in place of their own words, and warned that this could slowly wear away the country's cultural identity.
• Her examples were the snack bofrot, which she says is now often called "puff puff", and the fabric ntoma, which she says is now called "Ankara".
• She asked why Ghanaians seem keener to promote foreign music, food and drinks than local ones, putting it this way: “Why are we so quick to set aside what is ours? Why don’t we appreciate our own?”
• Ms Forson also said some Ghanaian leaders urge citizens to back local products and culture while using foreign expressions themselves.
• She tied her remarks to her work on Kinky Matters and the Kinky Experience, saying she is driven partly by a wish to keep parts of Ghanaian identity alive while staying open to the wider world.
• Ms Forson insisted her comments are no attack on other countries or their customs, adding that she admires and enjoys them.

Why it matters for Ghana

The remarks add to a public conversation about how Ghanaians name everyday foods, fabrics and products, and whether local words are being pushed aside. Vendors, designers and brands that sell bofrot or ntoma-based fashion make these naming choices daily. Ms Forson's point that languages and traditions already need protection speaks to schools, families and creative businesses that pass on Ghanaian heritage.