Avoid punishing students for speaking local languages – Historian to schools

A Ghanaian historian and businessman, Nana Osei-Bonsu Sarfo-Kantanka, is urging educational institutions across the country to desist from punishing students who speak local languages while in school.

He further admonished that students be encouraged to speak the local languages to better understand the culture and heritage of the country.

“If you go to school, it is written ‘Speak English.’ If you spoke the local dialect, you would be spanked. All these things must be removed.”

Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka further explained that some foreign countries prioritize their local languages to the extent that people who visit such countries are required to learn to speak and understand the language.

“If you go to India, you have to learn Hindi to be able to study at the university. Why can’t we learn from them?” He quizzed.

Nana Osei-Bonsu stated that it could be blended with the local languages so as to activate the country’s heritage.

He expressed the fear that the Ghanaian languages could fade if parents do not speak local dialects with their children.

Nana Osei-Bonsu encouraged people to make efforts to speak their local languages at all levels to maintain the cultural heritage of the country and its relevance.

“Even if just twenty people are speaking the language, it should be encouraged at all levels. If we’re able to do that, gradually ours will take over the so-called international language. In our houses, parents should be serious and speak our local languages with their children,” he entreated.

The country celebrates Ghana throughout the month of March every year to commemorate her Independence. The historian thinks that people’s enthusiasm for the celebration is depleting as the years evolve.

He believes people’s interest is dwindling because most designers in recent times are adding foreign products to their designs.