By Josephine Kekeli Amuzu
A former Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), Mr. Yaw Boadu Ayeboafoh, has called for the recognition and use of indigenous languages in governance and education.
Speaking at the launch of GBC Heritage, themed “90 Years of Upholding Our Cultural Heritage,” he stressed the importance of preserving local languages, arguing that true progress is hindered when citizens cannot fully engage with legal and political systems due to language barriers.
He challenged the notion that fluency in foreign languages determines intelligence, pointing out that many people speak in English without fully grasping the depth of their expressions.
“If you can speak your native language, it does not make you less of an intellectual,” he stated. He stressed that local languages should be regarded as strengths rather than limitations.
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Mr. Ayeboafoh also questioned why parliamentary proceedings and legal documents are not readily available in indigenous languages, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to understand laws and policies that directly impact them.
“We need to understand the laws in a manner that we can appreciate them. If our laws were translated into languages we understand, some of the behaviours we exhibit might change because we would fully comprehend the consequences of our actions.”
In a direct appeal to the president, he urged the government to ensure that Parliament allows citizens to express themselves in their native languages.
“Why has Parliament not done this? At least, as a basic right, people should be able to express themselves in the language they feel comfortable with,” he stated.
He further argued that if interpreters are available in the judiciary, the same should apply in Parliament, allowing people to communicate freely in their native languages.
“If there is an interpreter at the judiciary, there should be an interpreter at Parliament so that people can express themselves freely in their native language,” he said.
