Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, has made a strong case for the promotion of African languages, urging Ghanaians to break free from continued dependence on European languages such as English, French, and Portuguese.
Speaking in his Independence Day message, Gyakye Quayson expressed concern that despite Ghana’s independence over six decades ago, the country’s institutions, education, and governance still operate primarily in colonial languages.
“Why should we keep relying on top European languages when we have our own truly defining African languages and rich cultures like Swahili, Hausa, or Akan?” he questioned.
He emphasized the need to elevate a Ghanaian language to an official status and called for broader efforts to unify Africa through its indigenous languages.
“Languages are not just a tool for communication but also form a solid foundation for our cultural identity and sources of pride,” he stressed.
The Assin North MP urged Ghanaians to work collectively to integrate local languages into governance, education, and business, arguing that the continued use of colonial languages influences the way Africans perceive themselves.
“If we continue to think in the language of the colonizer, we will continue to see ourselves through their eyes,” he cautioned.
Gyakye Quayson further called for a cultural and institutional shift that embraces African heritage, arguing that true independence goes beyond political freedom to reclaiming identity, dignity, and self-reliance.
“Let us work together, breaking borders across ethnicities and across generations, to build a tall Africa—one that speaks for itself and determines its own course,” he urged.
His remarks add to the ongoing debate about language decolonization in Africa, as many linguists and cultural activists push for the recognition and widespread use of indigenous languages in governance and education.
