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Fri, 02 Aug 2024 Feature Article

Ghanaian politicians make sense when arguing in local languages - so why don't we add all our major languages to English as official languages?

Ghanaian politicians make sense when arguing in local languages - so why dont we add all our major languages to English as official languages?

Some of us have always agreed with Madam Afia Donkor, the humour-loving farmer and perennial president candidate, that in a nation fixated with individuals who have posh English accents, much to the detriment of our country, the use of local languages across Ghanaian officialdom (particularly in Parliament!), in our Republic, will make for better governance outcomes, in terms of beneficial policies that redound to the benefit all societal demographics, in terms of positive impacts.

In that light, the question that wise and aspirational Africans in emerging nations such as Ghana ought to ponder over is: If Ghanaian politicians invariably make sense when arguing in local languages, then why don't we make all our major local languages official languages in addition to English, in our beautiful and bountiful homeland Ghana?

It is in that context that one decided to use one's AI prompt-engineering superpower, to get one's Meta WhatsApp Lama3 to pen the article below with a title one supplied it one's self. Please read on:

"Will the use of Ghanaian languages across officialdom as multiple official languages make for better governance outcomes?

The use of native languages in official contexts has sparked interest in its potential to improve governance outcomes. In Ghana, adopting multiple official languages, including local languages like Akan, Dagbani, and Ewe, could have both benefits and challenges.

Benefits:

  • Increased accessibility: More citizens can participate in governance and understand official communications.
  • Improved representation: Leaders can better connect with constituents and represent their interests.
  • Enhanced cultural preservation: Native languages and cultures are valued and preserved.
  • Greater inclusivity: Linguistic diversity is recognized, promoting equality and social cohesion.
  • Better decision-making: Policymakers can draw on local knowledge and context, leading to more informed decisions.

Challenges:

  • Language diversity: Ghana has many native languages, making it difficult to choose which ones to prioritize.
  • Resource constraints: Implementing multiple official languages may require significant investment in translation, education, and infrastructure.
  • Global communication: English, as a global lingua franca, facilitates international communication and trade.

However, AI-powered translation tools can help address these challenges by:

  • Facilitating communication: Enabling real-time translation and breaking language barriers.
  • Increasing accessibility: Providing equal access to information for speakers of diverse languages.
  • Enhancing inclusivity: Supporting language preservation and promoting equal access to services.

To ensure effective implementation, it's crucial to:

  • Address AI limitations: Develop context-aware AI tools that capture nuances and idioms.
  • Bridge the digital divide: Ensure equal access to technology and digital literacy training.
  • Provide human oversight: Review AI translations for accuracy and cultural sensitivity.

In conclusion, adopting multiple official languages, including Ghanaian languages, can lead to better governance outcomes by increasing accessibility, representation, and inclusivity. However, it's essential to consider the challenges and leverage technology to address them, ensuring thoughtful implementation and effective communication." End of article by Meta's WhatsApp AI Lama3.

Finally, dear critical-reader, one hopes, in light of all the above, that the more responsible sections of the Ghanaian media landscape, will take an active interest in this pivotal nation-building governance issue, going forward into the future. There is no question that the vast majority of Ghanaians across the entire territorial landmass of our Republic, will agree that while they struggle to put their viewpoints across, effectively, when speaking English, Ghana's politicians invariably make a great deal more sense, when arguing in local languages. As wise and aspirational Africans who want their country to be transformed into a prosperous and equitable society, let us therefore make all our major Ghanaian languages official languages in, addition to English. Simple. Case closed. Full stop. A word to the wise...

Kofi Thompson
Kofi Thompson, © 2024

Writer & activist for environmental justice & human rights. . More Born into a farming family, I speak truth to power to amplify the voices of victims of injustice.Column: Kofi Thompson

Disclaimer: "The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect ModernGhana official position. ModernGhana will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements in the contributions or columns here." Follow our WhatsApp channel for meaningful stories picked for your day.

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