Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has announced that local languages will soon be introduced during parliamentary deliberations. Speaking at the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan, Bagbin emphasized the need to preserve Ghana’s cultural identity in national discourse. He noted that allowing Members of Parliament (MPs) to speak local languages on the floor is a step toward inclusivity and deeper citizen engagement in democratic governance.
“No society develops with the language of another society. So, we must establish the terminology we are discussing. We want our languages to be heard in Parliament, and we will begin this initiative very soon,” he stated. “It is included in our standing orders that all MPs can use their mother tongue, as long as they can effectively translate into the official language, English.”
He added: “Very soon, we will employ experts in these languages to come and support us as translators.” This is not the first time the Speaker has made such a proposal. On February 16, 2024, he first announced the intention to allow local language use in Parliament, citing Standing Order 63, which states: “Members of Parliament will be free to use any local language, as long as it is interpreted and translated for the benefit of all.”
By: Sammi Wiafe
