Story By: Akua Oteng Amponsah
Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has announced plans to allow MPs to use local languages in parliamentary debates.
Speaking at the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan, Mr Bagbin emphasized the importance of linguistic heritage in national development and democratic participation. “No society develops with the language of another society,” he said. “We want our language to be heard on the floor.”
The Speaker explained that parliamentary rules already permit MPs to speak in their native languages, provided they offer a corresponding English translation. “It is captured in our standing orders for all MPs to use their mother tongue, so long as they can synchronously translate into the official language of English,” he clarified.
To facilitate this initiative, language experts and interpreters will be engaged to provide real-time translations during proceedings. “Very soon, we will employ experts in these languages to come and support us as translators,” Mr Bagbin added.
This move aims to promote Ghana’s cultural identity, enhance inclusivity, and foster greater citizen participation in legislative processes.
