Parliamentary Network Africa’s Communications Officer, Clement Akoloh, has welcomed the decision to allow Members of Parliament (MPs) to express themselves in local languages during parliamentary proceedings.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey on Wednesday, July 2, Mr. Akoloh described the move as long overdue, adding that countries serious about development often embrace the use of indigenous languages to foster inclusivity and national progress.
“We think that this is long overdue because we have seen that all over the world, people who actually want to advance in development make the effort to use their own local language to be in a form of communication for easy understanding for the people. So we think that it’s a good call for that to happen in our country,” he stated.
Mr. Akoloh explained that while Parliament’s current Standing Orders already permit the use of local languages, there are limitations.
“We must understand that the standing orders which is currently being used allow that but there’s a little hinge in the standing order where if you speak your local language on the floor of parliament for easy understanding of everybody whilst we wait for those to interpret, you would have to do your own interpretation,” he pointed out.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, announced the renewed push for the use of Ghanaian languages during the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan in Accra.
According to Mr. Bagbin, incorporating local languages into parliamentary debates will promote inclusivity, strengthen national discourse, and help preserve Ghana’s rich cultural identity.
He stressed that the initiative would deepen citizen engagement and bridge the gap between Parliament and the people.
The Speaker also underscored the need to safeguard Ghana’s indigenous languages, many of which are at risk of extinction if not actively promoted on national platforms.
Mr. Bagbin assured that language experts will soon be recruited to serve as interpreters during parliamentary proceedings to facilitate smooth implementation.
The initiative is part of Parliament’s broader effort to make legislative processes more accessible, relatable, and reflective of the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
