Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has reaffirmed plans to allow Members of Parliament to use local languages during proceedings as part of efforts to promote cultural identity and enhance citizen participation in governance.
Speaking at the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan, Bagbin underscored the importance of preserving Ghana’s linguistic heritage, stating that development is more meaningful when rooted in a nation’s own language.
“No society develops with the language of another society. So, we have to get that terminology we are talking about in place. We want our language to be heard on the floor. So, we are going to start very soon.
“It is captured in our standing orders for all MPs to use their mother tongue, so long as they can symphoniously translate into the official language of English,” he said.
Bagbin cited provisions in Parliament’s standing orders, specifically Order 63, which permits lawmakers to speak in any local language as long as it is interpreted for the benefit of others.
He further revealed plans to recruit language experts to serve as official translators.
This is not the first time the Speaker has advocated for the use of Ghanaian languages in Parliament.
In February 2024, he first raised the proposal, arguing it would bring Parliament closer to the people and promote inclusivity in national discourse.
Comments