Hon Abla Dzifa Gomashie
Ketu South

Mr Speaker, thank you very much. It is interesting that the Minority Leader chose this remarkable day to speak two Ghanaian languages when we are celebrating International Mother Language Day. He set the pace and I am very happy about that.

Mr Speaker, the Universal Declaration on cultural diversity states that cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as the bio-diversity for nature. Thank you for the opportunity to make this Statement on the floor of the House, today, 21st February 2024. It marks the occasion of International Mother Language Day, celebrated globally. This year marks the silver jubilee of this observance; a significant moment that highlights the importance of linguistic diversity and the global commitment to preserving mother tongues as essential elements of cultural heritage and identity.
Ghana, as a multilingual nation, is home to over 80 languages spoken across various regions. These indigenous languages are not just means of communication, but also carriers of our collective history, traditions, and cultural values.

Unfortunately, many of our native languages are at risk of decline due to urbanisation, globalisation, and limited use in formal education and public life. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisations (UNESCO), about 40 per cent of the world's population lack access to education in a language they understand, and Ghana is not exempt from this reality. The gradual erosion of our local languages threatens the very fabric of our identity and the intergenerational transmission of indigenous knowledge systems.

Mr Speaker, I wish to commend this House for its progressive discussions on the promotion of Ghanaian languages, particularly the landmark decision announced on 15th February, 2024, prior to the former Second Deputy Minority Leader, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah's, Statement to integrate local languages into parliamentary proceedings in accordance with Order 63 of the Standing Orders. This initiative, which includes provisions for interpretation and translation services, is a bold and commendable step towards mainstreaming our indigenous languages in national discourse. It fosters inclusivity and ensures that parliamentary deliberations truly reflect the linguistic diversity of our nation.

Mr Speaker, however, while this decision was a remarkable achievement, its implementation has been slow. We must move beyond commitment and take concrete actions to ensure that our vision of a linguistically inclusive Parliament becomes a reality. I urge the House to accelerate efforts in providing the necessary resources and infrastructure to make this initiative fully operational.
Further, I applaud the former Hon Second Deputy Minority Leader, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for his advocacy on the preservation of the Nzema language and his call for greater emphasis on teaching and learning local languages at all levels of education. His Statement on this Floor last year, spurred constructive conversations on integrating local languages into basic education to improve comprehension and foster cultural pride. Studies have shown that children who receive instructions in their mother tongue during early education develop better cognitive skills, stronger literacy foundations, and a deeper connection to their heritage.

Mr Speaker, as the Member of Parliament representing the vibrant people of Ketu South, where Ewe is the predominant language, I am deeply committed to advocating for its preservation and growth, alongside other indigenous languages in Ghana. The Bureau of Ghana Languages (BGL) has taken commendable steps in publishing educational materials in 11 local languages, including Ewe.

However, these efforts must be reinforced with tangible policy interventions, such as increasing the number of trained teachers proficient in local languages, equipping schools with the necessary teaching and learning materials, and ensuring the systematic integration of indigenous languages into the formal education curriculum. I, therefore, call on the Minister for Education and the Ghana Education Service to take concrete steps toward the implementation of recommendations made by this House, particularly the adoption of local languages as mediums of instruction at the basic education level. Adequate financial and logistical support must be provided to sustain this initiative, ensuring that our language policies are not merely symbolic, but yield practical outcomes in education and societal development.

Mr Speaker, this year's theme, “Languages Matter: Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day”, is a timely reminder that our mother tongues are not just tools of communication, but reservoirs of knowledge, history, and cultural heritage. As we celebrate this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to linguistic diversity and make deliberate efforts to safeguard our indigenous languages for future generations. By doing so, we preserve not only our words, but also, the stories, wisdom, and identities that define us as a people.

Mr Speaker, Nelson Mandela said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart”. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o also said, that language is not just a means of communication; it is a carrier of culture, a reflection of the history and experiences of a people.

Mr Speaker, finally, Maya Angelou also said, “Language is the blood of the soul into which thoughts run and out of which they grow.” Let us cherish and preserve our Ghanaian languages for they are the essence of our humanity. Meda akpe tↄxɛ na mi; mii da nyɛ fɛɛ shi. Tswa! ni omanye abla wↄ. Mr Speaker, I thank you very much for your attention.