By William Boad
Dear countrymen, the good news is that the Parliament of Ghana has finally agreed to utilize Ghanaian languages such as Twi, Ga, Ewe, and Dagbani during debates, discussions, and committee meetings. There will be concurrent interpretation services to establish an understanding among members who speak different languages.
Using only the English language in the parliament house can exclude diverse perspectives and limit effective representation, hindering the inclusivity of discussions and decision-making. It may marginalize individuals who are not proficient in English, potentially undermining democratic principles and equal participation.
Better late than never. Educate Africa Institute (EAI) proposed this to the parliament house on the 13th of July, 2018 and it has been heard at this moment. The move is to prioritize our African/Ghanaian culture, values, and identity. We can’t be tamed on our homelands due to the inept fluency of the English language. Slowly but surely. We are thankful.
However, EAI is calling on the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ghana Education Service (GES) to notify teachers/tutors/lecturers to abstain from punishing learners who speak the Ghanaian languages in schools. Our tongue is our language and our language is our culture, values, and identity. We must at all costs cherish and promote it.
Honestly speaking, the four core subjects namely, the English language, Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social studies need to be changed. The learners ought to be given a space to specialize in their area of interest and exhibit what is given to them by nature (talent/gift) for modification.
Also, the English language and French must not be compulsory as usual. The fact that someone is not fluent in those languages and not excellent at it doesn’t make him/her useless. Our capabilities are beyond the four corners of the classroom block. There are professional interpreters to help bridge any future gaps in operations literally.
There is more room for improvement.
Ghana first.
Signed;
William Boadi
Executive Director of Educate Africa Institute (EAI), Educationist, Political analyst, and Social worker.
+233541935106
Anthony Cobbinah
Director of Guidance and Counseling, EAI.
+233243679469
EAI: Promoting Quality of Education and Ensuring Social Justice.
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