jmc

Note that the graph of $g(x)$ is identical to the graph of $f(x)$ shifted $a$ units to the left. (This is true because if $(x,f(x))$ is a point on the graph of $f$, then $(x-a,f(x))$ is the corresponding point on the graph of $g$.)

The graph of a function and its inverse are reflections of each other across the line $y=x$. Therefore, if $g(x)$ is its own inverse, then the graph of $g(x)$ must be symmetric with respect to the line $y=x$.

The graph of $f(x)$ is symmetric with respect to the line $y=x-2$:

Therefore, to make this graph symmetric with respect to $y=x$, we must shift it $2$ places to the left:

So, $a=\boxed{2}$.