The Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has issued a passionate call for the preservation of Ghana’s indigenous languages, stressing their crucial role in shaping national identity and safeguarding cultural heritage.
Speaking at an event in Accra marking 25 years of International Mother Language Day, the minister urged Ghanaians to actively promote and embrace their local languages.
In her address, Madam Gomashie emphasized that language is a key pillar of cultural heritage, and its neglect could lead to the erosion of Ghana’s unique traditions.
She called for a nationwide commitment to the promotion and preservation of indigenous languages, highlighting the need for their integration into education, governance, and daily communication.
A significant point of discussion at the event was the role of the media in promoting Ghanaian languages.
Stakeholders emphasized that media outlets must actively reflect the values and uniqueness of local dialects, incorporating them more prominently into broadcasts and publications.
The minister encouraged media organizations to prioritize indigenous languages in their programming, thereby reinforcing their importance in national discourse.
Beyond media engagement, Madam Gomashie stressed the broader importance of linguistic diversity and multilingualism in national development. She urged Ghanaians to take pride in their mother tongues, viewing them as essential tools for fostering unity and cultural pride.
Echoing her sentiments, the Director of the Bureau of Ghana Languages, Enoch Adinortey Adibuer, advocated for a more inclusive educational approach.
He recommended that students be encouraged to express themselves in their native languages, which would not only strengthen linguistic heritage but also enhance cognitive development and learning outcomes.
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