Speaker Bagbin urges parliament to embrace local languages in debates

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has announced that Members of Parliament will soon be permitted to use local Ghanaian languages during parliamentary debates.

The initiative aims to promote Ghana’s cultural identity, enhance inclusivity in national discourse, and make legislative processes more accessible to all citizens.

According to a report by myjoyonline.com on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Speaker Bagbin, speaking at the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan, emphasised the critical role of linguistic heritage in shaping national development and democratic participation.

The Open Parliament Action Plan is a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public, with a focus on transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and the use of technology.

“No society develops with the language of another society. So, we have to get that terminology we are talking about in place. We want our language to be heard on the floor. So, we are going to start very soon,” the Speaker stated.

This move reflects a broader effort to celebrate and promote Ghana’s diverse linguistic heritage.

Speaker Bagbin clarified that parliamentary standing orders already permit MPs to speak in their native languages, provided they can offer a corresponding translation in English.

“It is captured in our standing orders for all MPs to use their mother tongue, as long as they can accurately translate it into the official language of English,” he reiterated.

To support this initiative, Speaker Bagbin revealed that language experts and interpreters would be engaged to provide real-time translations during proceedings.

“Very soon, we will employ experts in these languages to assist us as translators,” he added.

This development is expected to significantly boost public understanding and participation in governance.

This is not the first time the Speaker has proposed such a change; he initially announced this intention on February 16, 2024, citing Standing Order 63, which states: “Members of Parliament will be free to use any local language, as long as it is interpreted and translated for the benefit of all.”

As implementation plans are finalised, the proposal has been widely welcomed as a positive step towards a more inclusive and representative democracy.

The introduction of local languages in parliamentary debates is anticipated to foster greater citizen engagement, particularly among communities that may feel disconnected from formal legislative processes due to language barriers.

The Speaker’s office is actively working on the necessary logistics, including translation services, to ensure a smooth transition.

NAD/VPO

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