Mr. Yaw Boadu Ayeboafoh, the former Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), has called for the inclusion and promotion of indigenous languages in governance and education.
Speaking at an event, themed “90 Years of Upholding Our Cultural Heritage,” he emphasized the need to preserve local languages, arguing that genuine progress is hindered when citizens cannot fully engage with legal and political systems due to language barriers.
He challenged the belief that proficiency in foreign languages is a marker of intelligence, pointing out that many people speak English without fully understanding its nuances.
“Speaking your native language does not diminish your intellectual capacity,” he said, stressing that local languages should be seen as assets, not limitations.
Mr. Ayeboafoh also raised concerns about the lack of parliamentary proceedings and legal documents in indigenous languages, which he believes makes it difficult for ordinary citizens to grasp laws and policies that directly affect them.
“We need to understand the laws in a way that resonates with us. If our laws were translated into languages we comprehend, some of our behaviors might change, as we would better understand the consequences of our actions,” he explained.
In a direct appeal to the president, he urged the government to push for Parliament to allow citizens to express themselves in their native languages.
“Why hasn’t Parliament done this? As a basic right, people should be able to speak in the language they are most comfortable with,” he said.
He also argued that just as interpreters are available in the judiciary, Parliament should provide the same service, allowing individuals to communicate freely in their native languages.
“If there are interpreters in the judiciary, there should be interpreters in Parliament too, so that people can express themselves in their native language,” he added.
