By Josephine Kekeli Amuzu
The Member of Parliament for Suhum, Frank Asiedu, has expressed concerns that while Ghana has achieved political independence, the country remains linguistically colonised.
Speaking to the media, he criticised the perception that individuals who do not speak English are considered unintelligent, describing this mindset as flawed.
“We live in a country where when someone does not speak English, the person is considered unintelligent, and it’s wrong,” he said.
He announced plans to introduce a bill in Parliament to promote multilingualism in Ghana.
“I will bring a bill to Parliament so that Ghana will embrace multilingualism,” he noted.
Hon. Asiedu also suggested that the languages taught at Ajumako should be reviewed every ten years.
He proposed that any language spoken by at least 35 percent of Ghanaians over a decade should be considered for recognition as a national language.
This, he argued, would help eliminate language barriers.
“I will start with Ajumako. Languages taught at Ajumako can be reviewed every ten years; Nzema, Ewe, and many Ghanaian languages are taught at Ajumako. Languages that can be spoken by 35 percent of the Ghanaian people for a period of 10 years can be added to the national language so that language won’t become a barrier,” he said.
He further attributed Ghana’s underdevelopment to language barriers and the continued reliance on a foreign language, which, in his view, hinders the full realisation of the country’s potential.
“The reason Ghana is not developing is because of the language barrier, and also because Ghana has taken foreign language; it is preventing the people from unearthing their potential. Because somebody cannot speak English, the person is considered unintelligent and not fit to be part of social reconstruction,” he said.
