When English became the safest Ghanaian language

Ghana has discovered a unique approach to promote equality among its indigenous languages by placing all of them beneath English. This revelation came to light when the Executive Secretary of the Bureau of Ghana Languages, Ebenezer Ahiator, addressed the Parliament’s Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs. He suggested that Ghana should not designate a single indigenous language as the national language, as doing so could make speakers of other languages feel like their languages are of secondary importance.

Thus, in the spirit of resolving disputes by sharing family property, English emerged as the victor. While some may find this decision inexplicable, it has sparked discussions on social media, eventually leading to the acknowledgment of historical, cultural, and political factors involved in this matter. The debate has shifted from linguistics to the broader context of Ghanaian society, with concerns raised about how the elevation of one language could potentially make others feel inferior.

Despite the official encouragement of Ghanaian language development in the Constitution and parliamentary proceedings, English remains the dominant language in various aspects of public life, including politics, courts, education, and job interviews. Consequently, the issue at hand is not merely about choosing between Twi and other languages, but rather about ensuring that indigenous languages hold a more significant position in Ghanaian public life, where they can truly be appreciated and utilized without the necessity of translation through English.