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The Member of Parliament for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Hon. Frank Yeboah, has urged the government to take urgent steps to preserve Ghana’s local languages, warning that the country risks losing a crucial part of its cultural heritage if the trend of language decline continues.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Yeboah expressed deep concern over the increasing number of young people, particularly women, who struggle to communicate fluently in their native languages.
“This is a worrying trend that we must address as a nation,” he stated. “Our local languages are an integral part of our culture and identity, and it’s essential that we take steps to preserve them.”
Hon. Yeboah emphasized that local languages are not only a means of communication but also carriers of history, values, and traditions. He warned that if immediate interventions are not made, many Ghanaian languages could face extinction in the coming years.
To curb this, he proposed key measures, including:
- Incorporating Local Languages in Schools – The MP called for increased investment in teaching local languages at all levels of education. He suggested that Ghana’s curriculum should ensure students are proficient in their mother tongues before completing their basic education.
- Promoting Local Languages in the Media – Hon. Yeboah urged television and radio stations to dedicate more airtime to programs conducted in local languages. He noted that the dominance of foreign and English-based content is contributing to the decline in native language usage.
- Encouraging Daily Usage – He advised parents and guardians to make a conscious effort to speak local languages at home so that children grow up with a strong linguistic and cultural foundation.
The MP’s concerns align with global warnings about language extinction. According to the United Nations, one language disappears every two weeks, and many more are classified as endangered. In Ghana, while major languages like Twi, Ewe, and Dagbani remain widely spoken, smaller languages are at risk due to urbanization, migration, and the increasing influence of foreign languages.
Language preservation is not just about communication but also about maintaining cultural dignity, traditional heritage, and historical knowledge. Experts argue that local languages are vital for passing down customs, folklore, and indigenous wisdom to future generations.
Hon. Yeboah’s advocacy has sparked discussions among cultural and educational stakeholders, many of whom believe the government must prioritize this issue before it is too late.
“By working together to preserve Ghana’s local languages, we can safeguard our rich cultural heritage and foster a stronger sense of national pride and identity,” he concluded.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen what steps the government will take in response to this pressing call to action.
