BUREAU OF GHANA LANGUAGES URGES PROTECTION OF INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES

The Executive Secretary of the Bureau of Ghana Languages, Ebenezer Ahiator, has stressed the need for Ghanaians to preserve and promote indigenous languages, while maintaining English as the country’s common language of communication.

According to him, although Ghanaians may have different dominant indigenous languages, there is no need for everyone to learn all the indigenous languages.

He said English already provides a common medium of communication, but this should not come at the expense of Ghana’s indigenous languages.

Mr. Ahiator explained that Ghanaians should be encouraged to learn other local languages where possible, while ensuring that no indigenous language is allowed to die.

He cautioned against creating the impression that some Ghanaian languages were more important than others, stressing that every indigenous language had value and must be preserved.

His comments came when the Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy and Culture, led by its Chairman, Hon. Fred Kyei Asamoah, visited the Bureau of Ghana Languages.

The engagement focused on the Bureau’s mandate, programmes, achievements and challenges, as well as efforts to promote and preserve Ghana’s indigenous languages.

BY KUKUA SNEAD-MICHAELS