Building the Ga Wikipedia: How Wikimedia Ghana User Group is Pioneering Language Preservation Through TranslateWiki

by , , , I have been a Ghanaian Wikipedian since February of 2016, a Freelance Digital Amplifier and currently a volunteer member of Wikimedia Ghana User Group, an active advocate for mental health, the environment and a freelance photographer. I help lead efforts to improve Wikipedia and its sister project’s representation of Ghana. I am also the Communications Officer of the Humanist Association of Ghana, the Africa Coordinator of Young Humanist International, and the Vice President of Psych Aid & Love outreach. I advocate for human rights, mental health, and social justice. I strive to create a more equitable and informed world through his work.and
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Photo Credit: Owula kpakpo CC BY SA 4.0

Although approximately 600,000 individuals in Ghana speak the Ga language, the availability of content in Ga on Wikimedia platforms remains significantly limited. This lack of resources creates a barrier for native Ga speakers, preventing them from fully engaging with and contributing to the vast array of knowledge accessible online.

To tackle this disparity, the Wikimedia Ghana User Group organized a series of events and projects in September 2024, coinciding with International Literacy Day and Literacy Month. These initiatives were designed to promote literacy and enhance the representation of the Ga language within the Wikimedia ecosystem. Below, we highlight some key aspects of these impactful events.

Professional Translation Support  –  UPSA

During the week of September 9th, we undertook a significant initiative to enhance the accessibility and usability of the Ga Wikipedia (Wp/gaa) in the Incubator. This effort aimed to translate approximately 5,000 user interface messages, a crucial step in making the platform more user-friendly for native speakers of the Ga language.

To achieve this, we partnered with the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), explicitly collaborating with their Language Center. This partnership allowed us to engage professional lecturers with expertise in translation and a deep understanding of the Ga language and the technical variations required for effective translation. The involvement of these qualified professionals ensured that the translations were accurate, culturally relevant, and contextually appropriate.

Translating user interface messages is a vital component in developing any language edition on most notable platforms like Wikipedia. These messages are the backbone for user interaction, guiding contributors and readers through the platform. By translating these messages into Ga, we are taking a significant step toward fostering a more inclusive environment where speakers of this language can engage with and contribute to Wikipedia.

This initiative is part of a broader commitment to support language incubation within the Wikimedia ecosystem, addressing challenges that indigenous language communities face. By providing professional translation support, we are enhancing the Ga Wikipedia and contributing to the overall goal of making knowledge freely accessible to all, regardless of language barriers.

Private Translatewiki Editathon

Photo Credit: Owula kpakpo CC BY SA 4.0


A key event in this effort was the private Translatewiki Editathon, held on Saturday, September 28, 2024. This focused online session brought together seven participants dedicated to improving the Ga translation interface.

The Editathon allowed these participants to work intensively on translating and refining user interface messages, ensuring that they accurately reflect the nuances of the Ga language. This collective effort was aimed at enhancing the quality of translations and fostered a sense of community spirit among the participants, who shared their insights and expertise throughout the session.

The Editathon’s focus on the Ga translation interface was crucial in addressing the platform’s gaps and challenges. The event’s collaborative nature allowed participants to engage in meaningful discussions about translation strategies and best practices, ultimately leading to a more polished and user-friendly interface for Ga speakers.

This initiative highlights our commitment to supporting language communities and promoting inclusivity within the Wikimedia ecosystem. As we move forward, we aim to build on the momentum generated by this Editathon, encouraging further participation and collaboration in future translation efforts. The success of this event underscores the importance of community engagement in driving progress and enhancing access to knowledge for all users.

We invite collaboration and support for our ongoing efforts to empower local voices and build a more vibrant and representative online community.

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