Ga Traditional Council praises Haruna Iddrisu for ‘statesmanship’ in Google AI language dispute
A Senior Adviser to the Ga Mantse, HE Nii Amarkai Amarteifio, has praised the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, for what he described as “gravitas and statesmanship” in resolving a dispute over the exclusion of the GaDangme language from Google’s Artificial Intelligence pilot programme.
The commendation follows a period of concern within GaDangme circles after the language was omitted from the initial piloting phase of the global technology initiative. Acting at the invitation of the Ga Mantse, Nii Amarkai Amarteifio stepped in to mediate the impasse, engaging key stakeholders to address the matter.
His intervention culminated in a high-level meeting between a delegation led by the Minister and His Royal Majesty, King Tackie Tsuru III, where issues surrounding language inclusion were discussed and resolved.
While acknowledging the Minister’s apology over the development, the Senior Adviser underscored the historic significance of the GaDangme language, describing it as central to national communication, particularly within the broadcasting space. He noted that its omission at the piloting stage was “shocking” given its longstanding cultural and historical relevance.
The remarks were made during a courtesy call by the Paramount Chief of the Lamashegu Traditional Area in Tamale, Naa Mahamadu Iddrisu, at the Cantonments residence of Nii Amarkai Amarteifio in La-Accra. The visit was intended to express gratitude to the Ga Traditional Council for what was described as diplomatic and tactical leadership in resolving the controversy.
In a personal tribute, Naa Mahamadu Iddrisu recounted a past encounter involving the Minister. “Let me say this, some years back, Haruna Iddrisu at the America embassy in Accra here save my daughter, when she presented herself for the application of Visa. A problem arose and my daughter had nowhere to turned to, suddenly Haruna stepped in, and provided all that my daughter needed. Haruna may not remember, but our family would forever be grateful for that singular gesture” he said.
The meeting was facilitated by Prince-Derek Adjei, a former President of the GaDangme Youth and a royal from La.
Naa Mahamadu Iddrisu, who was enskinned only a month ago, explained that his visit to Accra had a dual purpose. Aside from paying homage to the Senior Adviser to the Ga Mantse, he said he had also come to commiserate with Haruna Iddrisu and the Deputy Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adam Sukparu, following a road accident.
The two officials were involved in a crash on the Bolga-Tumu Road on Thursday, February 12, 2026, while travelling on official duties in the Sissala West Constituency. They were subsequently treated at the 37 Military Hospital.
The Lamashegu chief stressed that Ghana’s collective identity is deeply rooted in its customs and traditions. As a royal himself, he said, the Minister understands the weight of the chieftaincy institution and acted swiftly to ensure that no action undermined the sacred relationship between the state and traditional authorities.
Providing an update on the Minister’s health, Naa Mahamadu Iddrisu assured Nii Amarkai Amarteifio that Hon. Iddrisu was in good condition and disclosed that he and the other victims of the accident were expected to be discharged by midday on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
The resolution of the language dispute has since been interpreted by traditional leaders as a reminder of the need for inclusive technological advancement that reflects Ghana’s diverse linguistic heritage.
