Meaning behind some Ga place names
Mataheko
When the people of Mataheko first settled there, they often visited their relatives in Accra – since it wasn’t far. Eventually the constant visits made them tired and they would often say ‘Mata heko’ meaning I will ‘sit somewhere’.
Achimota.
Achimota name has its origins in Slavery. The name means “you don’t mention a person’s name” – ‘A chii m) ta’ in Ga.
Adabraka
The Gas would go to Adabraka to buy from the Hausa traders there. So the word Adabraka is an Hausa word which means “womli” as customers would often want some bonus on their purchase and that is how Adabraka became the name of that place.
Alajo
Those who moved to Alajo would regularly set a fire which they would sing and dance around all night. The song they would sing, would say ”mele ni yaa eeii damoshi ma shebo” in wait for their King. So Alajo is
“Ala ni ajo” – “sing and dance”.
Nima
There are some Gas who would move to Adabraka to settle after having some problems in their home land. This created a problem for the Hausa’s as the Ga’s had power over the land. So King Taki Tawiah gave the Hausas Nima which means Nii maan or Nii’s land. The king gave this to the Hausa’s and till this day, it is their home.
Mamprobi
The place is Mampobi because a small section of the Mampong river flowed through the are, so its almost like saying the child of Mampong river flows through the area.
Tema
Tema simply means “tor man” or land of ‘Gourd’. The people were very well known for making the gourd which is the calabash fruit shaped like a big bottle.
Nungua
Nunma ‘meaning fresh water’. The presence of fresh water was a sign to the first Ga settlers that the area now known as Nungua is their new home.
Teshie
Meaning ‘Under the stone’. In 2012 Teshie celebrated 300 years since they migrated from La to their present location.