Samuel Ayeh-Paye, former Member of Parliament for Ayensuano, has urged Ghana’s Parliament to increase the use of local languages during debates, citing language barriers as a factor preventing some MPs from fully participating.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey on Friday, November 21, Mr. Ayeh-Paye said the 2026 post-budget debate highlighted the struggles some lawmakers face due to English proficiency.
“The fact that we cannot speak English very well does not prevent anybody from entering parliament. And I think we should try to work on that,” he noted.
He pointed to India as an example, where parliamentary proceedings accommodate multiple languages using translation technology.
“In India, if you visit their parliament, they have so many languages… they have gadgets they use to translate for interpretation,” he said.
Mr. Ayeh-Paye added that Ghana’s parliamentary standing orders already permit MPs to speak in local languages, provided translation is arranged.
“We should try and start using them. The standing orders allow usage of nine local languages in Parliament,” he explained.
He expressed concern that many MPs avoid speaking out of fear of ridicule. “Because they cannot speak English properly, they fear that people may laugh at them. It causes people to lose their seats,” Mr. Ayeh-Paye said.
He called on Parliament to adopt translation tools to ensure all MPs can contribute, regardless of their English proficiency.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
