The Significance of Naming Practices in Three Contemporary Spaces in Ghana
Author: Nartey Samuel & Osmanu Ibrahim
Abstract: Attention on public spaces (PS) and naming them after some individuals or at least keeping them in a neutral position seems to be gaining prominence in recent Ghana. This article seeks to discuss the significance of naming public spaces and to examine the processes adopted in naming such spaces in Ghana. The paper also discusses some biases associated with naming these spaces and how that influences the thoughts of the citizens. The data was drawn from interviews of randomly selected individuals and some officers specifically in the municipalities and metropolises in the Greater Accra Region. The 50 respondents interviewed have acknowledged the fact that public spaces need to be named. Whilst 30 respondents were of the view that the naming should be particularly devoid of biases and favoritism and 20 think it does not matter exactly who a space is named after provided the person has diligently served and contributed immensely in the development of the nation. It, therefore, revealed after all that naming of public spaces is very relevant but what needs to be considered critically is the process adopted, which if well managed, will help rally the citizenry around to eventually back the positive intention of the initiating leader and the nation for that matter.