Speaker pushes for greater use of local languages in education system

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called for stronger institutional support to promote the teaching and use of indigenous languages across Ghana’s education system.

He warned that the country risks losing an important part of its cultural identity if urgent steps are not taken.

He urged the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to scale up policies and programmes that encourage the teaching of local languages in schools, describing the effort as crucial to preserving Ghana’s linguistic and cultural heritage.

According to a report by citinewsroom.com on May 5, 2026, Bagbin expressed concern over the steady decline in the use of local languages, particularly among younger generations, saying it poses a significant threat to national identity.

He cautioned that without deliberate and sustained interventions, many indigenous languages could gradually become extinct, taking with them unique traditions, histories, and systems of knowledge.

Professor Dzahene-Quarshie pushes for greater use of local languages in schools

“More must be done to ensure that these languages do not just thrive and escape extinction. Our local languages must become integral parts of our daily lives, interwoven into our education, work, and socialisation. I call on all Ghanaians to focus on teaching their children the local languages,” the statement said.

His remarks were contained in a speech delivered on his behalf by the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, during Parliament’s May Day 2026 celebration on Monday, May 4, 2026.

In the address, Bagbin stressed the need for a broader approach to language preservation that extends beyond the classroom into everyday life.

He emphasised the role of families, communities, and institutions in ensuring that Ghana’s linguistic diversity is maintained and passed on to future generations.

The event brought together lawmakers, labour leaders, and other stakeholders to reflect on national development issues, including education, culture, and the future of Ghana’s workforce.

MRA/VPO

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