On July 1, 2025, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, announced that Members of Parliament (MPs) in Ghana will soon be permitted to use Ghanaian local languages during parliamentary debates. This initiative aims to celebrate Ghana's linguistic diversity and make parliamentary proceedings more accessible.
The Standing Orders of Parliament already allow MPs to speak in their native languages, but they are required to provide an English translation. To facilitate this, Parliament plans to recruit language experts and interpreters to offer real-time translations during sessions. This is a significant step towards enhancing citizen engagement.
Clement Akoloh, Communications Officer for Parliamentary Network Africa, welcomed the move, describing it as long overdue. He emphasized that countries serious about development often embrace the use of indigenous languages. Ghana is home to nearly 100 indigenous languages, including Twi, Fante, Ewe, Ga, Dagbani, Gonja, and Hausa.
The linguistic diversity poses logistical challenges in implementing the use of local languages. Experts have raised concerns about the practical implications, highlighting the need for robust mechanisms to support translation and interpretation. The initiative is part of Parliament's broader effort to make legislative processes more accessible.
In February 2024, Speaker Bagbin announced plans to transform the Chamber to accommodate the use of local languages. By incorporating local languages, the initiative aims to promote inclusivity and strengthen national discourse. The successful implementation will depend on effective planning and resource allocation.