95% of UK Based Ghanaian Children Can't Speak Any Ghanaian Language

ABOUT 95 per cent of Ghanaian children living in the United Kingdom (UK) cannot speak any Ghanaian language.

A survey conducted by a Ghanaian community radio station in London WBLS (102.8fm) last year revealed that about 70 per cent of the children, especially those living in London, do not even understand any Ghanaian language at all.

They eloquently speak English both at home, at school and other public gatherings.

The survey indicated that the problem is more prevalent among children born in the UK than those sent there.

It further revealed that children sent to the UK from Ghana after even 12 years of age are losing their first language (LI) due to social and peer influence.

It further indicated that the problem becomes huge as some illiterate parents take undue advantage of their schooling kids to learn the English language to enhance their commercial, social and other activities and interactions, thus having no urge to encourage their children to use their language.

With children of literate parents, majority of them, the survey revealed, felt embarrassed when they see or are heard by the colleagues speaking their own dialect.

With this unhealthy cultural development among our young ones, they are gradually and unconsciously losing their rich identity to others, the English.

Although there are no official figures available on the number of Ghanaian children living in the UK, it is strongly believed that there are more than 3,000 Ghanaian children living in the UK at the moment.

It was against this background that the radio station has initiated a programme to motivate the children to speak Ghanaian languages more often.

The station, as a first step, has introduced a programme on one of its shows, the 'Rabbi Show' on its network to teach basic language skills acquisition for Ghanaians, especially children.

It has also organised a Ghanaian language skill development competition for Ghanaian children in the United Kingdom.

Among other things, the three-month long competition was basically to motivate Ghanaian children in the UK to be well-versed in their mother tongue.

The competition, which was opened to all Ghanaian children between the ages of two and 17, received marvellous response, according to the organisers.

Five reputable Ghanaian firms and organisations in the UK sponsored the competition, which registered 22 children.

The first ever finals of the competition reached its climax last Sunday with a colourful durbar at Golden Stool hall in London.

Six out of the 22 starters reached the finals.

The occasion attracted many renowned Ghanaian chiefs based in the UK, including Nana Kusi Appiah, the head of the Ashanti community in the UK.

Contestants put up thrilling and splendid performances in singing, recitation, answered general questions about Ghana and also demonstrated their vernacular abilities.

14-year old Yaw Domfe, born in the UK, but has never been to Ghana before came first.

His prize included a latest Nokia mobile phone donated by Oboosie Mobile Phone Ltd, a silver cup donated by the organisers, a trip for a holiday outing with his parents outside London, donated by the Diamond club, quantities of education books and CDs.

Five other finalists took home vouchers, cash, trainers, certificates and other prizes.

Yaw Domfe in appreciation observed that the competition has, as he put it, put me back on track.

He noted that he did not realise the importance of learning any Ghanaian language since it has no significance in the place he is leaving.

He added that as a Ghanaian he has actually seen the need to carry his identity all around.

This according to him could be best exhibited in his language.

The programme host, Nana Obeng Badu, said the programme, used as a pilot project, has proved very successful.

He said the enthusiasm exhibited by the Ghanaian community and the listeners of the station in particular was tremendous and has also been a source of encouragement to organisers.

He said it was high time Ghanaian organisations abroad joined hands to promote such activities to improve the cultural life style of the people.

He said the second phase of the programme, which will begin next month, will cover all Ghanaian languages and age.