We want our language to be heard on the floor of Parliament — Speaker Bagbin

Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, is championing a bold step towards cultural inclusion by allowing lawmakers to debate in their native languages.

He believes this shift will strengthen national identity and bring more Ghanaians into the democratic conversation.

During the unveiling of the Open Parliament Action Plan, Speaker Bagbin spoke passionately about the need to make local languages more visible in public discourse.

“No society develops with the language of another society. We want our language to be heard on the floor. So, we are going to start very soon,” he shared.

Currently, the parliamentary rules already permit MPs to speak in their mother tongues, provided they can translate their words into English. Bagbin noted that interpreters will soon be hired to ensure real-time translation, removing a long-standing barrier for many.

This isn’t the first time the Speaker has advocated for this change. In February 2024, he referenced Standing Order 63, which affirms MPs’ right to speak any Ghanaian language, so long as it is translated for others to follow.

By embracing local dialects within such a formal setting, Parliament aims to create a more welcoming space for citizens who feel left out due to language limitations.

For some, this could mark the beginning of a new era where legislative processes feel closer to home and more reflective of Ghana’s diverse identity.