As part of promoting the Ghanaian languages in Ghana and extending the rich culture and tradition of the nation, Parliament is said to begin the use of local languages on the floor of the House.
Order 63 of the new Standing Orders states that a Member of Parliament (MP) may use any of the local languages subject to interpretation and translation to the understanding of all.
This initiative is expected to take off during the second meeting of the fourth session of the Eighth Parliament.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, said the necessary facilities were being provided, including translators and the appropriate gadgets for a smooth take-off.
The new measure will then take off after the Easter break
The issue of the use of local languages became topical on the floor of Parliament,yesterday 16th February 2024, when the Second Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, presented a statement for the promotion and preservation of the Nzema Language.
Mr Buah, who is also the National Democratic Congress MP for Ellembele in the Western Region, said the Nzema language was one of the 11 local languages in the curriculum of the basic and senior high school levels and was examinable.
It is worrying that despite the high level of development of the language, interest in the teaching and learning of the language in our educational institutions is waning drastically”, he lamented.
This attracted contributions from members who called for local languages to be used at the basic schools to promote the languages and bring proper understanding to the various subjects.
The intent of the new Standing Order is also to ensure discipline and promote a sense of duty the recitation of the national pledge, on the other hand, is to enhance patriotism and love for the country.
The Speaker said the oral roll call did not negate the signing of the attendance books either in the chamber or at the committee level
