Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has revealed that Members of Parliament (MPs) will soon be allowed to use local languages during parliamentary debates.
The speaker of parliament noted that the goal is aimed at promoting Ghana’s cultural identity and enhancing inclusivity in national discourse.
According to Alban Bagbin, no society develops with the language of another society.
Speaking at the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan, Alban Bagbin stated, “No society develops with the language of another society. So, we have to get that terminology we are talking about in place. We want our language to be heard on the floor. So, we are going to start very soon”.
“It is captured in our standing orders for all MPs to use their mother tongue, so long as they can symphoniously translate into the official language of English,” he clarified.
“Very soon, we will employ experts in these languages to come and support us as translators,” he added.
This is not the first time the Speaker has proposed such a change. On 16th February 2024, he cited Standing Order 63, which states: “Members of Parliament will be free to use any local language, as long as it is interpreted and translated for the benefit of all.”
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asante Akim North, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, some months ago broke the language barrier in Parliament.
The MP, while addressing parliament, chose to do so in Twi, rather than English.
Contributing to a statement made by the MP for Kintampo South, Felicia Adjei, concerning tourism, the Asante Akim North Legislator indicated that the street lights need to be enhanced while also paying attention to poor road networks in the country.
He noted that poor road networks, coupled with prostitution on some principal streets of Accra, are a turn-off for tourists.
He added that, in places like Hwidiem and Onyimso in the Asante Akim North, there are waterfalls that need the attention of the government to make them attractive for the promotion of tourism.
Some members of the minority opposed his speaking of Twi on the floor, even though the standing orders of Parliament allow so.
However, members of the majority gave him their full support for the brave decision taken to break the language barrier in parliament.
Muntala Mohammed, Minister for Environment Science and Technology, applauded Ohene Kwame Frimpong and urged Parliament to put proper measures in place to ensure members can speak their preferred local dialect. He added that automatic translation can be adopted for the benefit of those who may not understand.
