The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has renewed calls for stronger institutional support to promote the teaching and use of indigenous languages across Ghana’s education system, warning that the country risks losing a vital part of its cultural identity if urgent steps are not taken.
He specifically urged the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to scale up policies and programmes that encourage the teaching of local languages in schools, describing the move as essential to preserving Ghana’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
According to the Speaker, the steady decline in the use of local languages, particularly among younger generations, poses a significant threat to national identity.
He stressed that without deliberate and sustained efforts, many indigenous languages could gradually fade into extinction, taking with them unique traditions, histories, and systems of knowledge.
The call was contained in a speech delivered on his behalf by the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, during Parliament’s May Day 2026 celebration on Monday, May 4.
In the address, the Speaker underscored the need for a more holistic approach to language preservation, one that goes beyond the classroom and integrates local languages into everyday life.
He highlighted the role of families, communities, and institutions in ensuring that Ghana’s linguistic diversity is maintained and passed on to future generations.
“More must be done to ensure that these languages do not just thrive and escape extinction. Our local languages must become integral parts of our daily lives, interwoven into our education, work, and socialisation. I call on all Ghanaians to focus on teaching their children the local languages.”
The event brought together lawmakers, labour leaders, and stakeholders to reflect on national development issues, including education, culture, and the future of Ghana’s workforce.
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