MPs to begin debating in local languages after Easter

The Speaker of Parliament has hinted that members will begin using local languages on the floor of the House after the Easter break to promote the Ghanaian culture.

This follows the Deputy Minority leader and MP for Ellembele, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Boah’s statement on Thursday, February 15, 2024, concerning the disregard for the local languages in schools.

According to him, the Nzema language which is one of the 11 local languages in the basic and senior high curricula and examinable by WAEC is gradually losing its place in schools across the country, thus the Parliament of Ghana needs to take a bold decision to enforce the teaching and learning of local languages.

His statement was collectively supported by fellow MPs who argued that punishing students for speaking the local languages should be a thing of the past adding that the Speaker must intervene to urge the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to enforce the teaching and learning of various local languages in the basic and secondary school level.

After carefully listening to various views from members of the House, the Speaker directed that the statement be referred to the committees on Education, Culture, Tourism and Finance for a decision to be taken.

The referral is to enable the Ghana Education Service to embrace the concept of using the language at the basic schools or the lower primary, to promote the Ghanaian culture.

Parliament’s new Standing Orders introduced at the commencement of the first sitting of the fourth session include the use of local languages.

Order 63 states that a Member of Parliament (MP) may use any of the local languages subject to interpretation and translation to the understanding of all hence the Speaker’s decision to introduce the use of the local language after the Easter break since members have to set an example for others to follow.

Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin stressed that the necessary facilities to be put in place include translators and the appropriate gadgets for a smooth take-off. Barring any hitches, the new measure will take off after the Easter break.