The Leader of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Bernard Mornah, has renewed calls for Ghana to officially recognize Twi and Hausa as national languages, stressing the need to promote indigenous identity and cultural unity through language policy reform.
According to Mornah, the dominance of English as Ghana’s sole official language has over the years limited national inclusivity and marginalized large sections of the population who communicate primarily in local dialects. He believes that elevating widely spoken Ghanaian languages like Twi and Hausa to official status will enhance national cohesion and accessibility in governance, education, and public life.
“It is time we stopped pretending that English defines intelligence or patriotism. As a nation, we must celebrate and institutionalize our own languages. Twi and Hausa, which are spoken and understood across regions, should be given the same recognition that English currently enjoys,” Mornah stated.
The PNC leader emphasized that language is not merely a means of communication but a symbol of cultural pride and independence. He noted that other African nations, such as Tanzania and Ethiopia, have successfully adopted indigenous languages like Swahili and Amharic as national languages, fostering unity and national identity.
Mornah further called on policymakers, linguists, and cultural institutions such as the Bureau of Ghana Languages and the National Commission on Culture to collaborate on a pragmatic framework for integrating local languages into administration, education, and media.
“If Ghana is serious about decolonizing its mindset, we must start by changing the language of power. Let’s make Twi and Hausa official, so every Ghanaian can feel represented in the national discourse,” he added.
The PNC’s proposal is expected to reignite national debate on Ghana’s language policy, which has long centered around balancing English proficiency with the preservation and promotion of local dialects.
As conversations on linguistic identity continue to gain momentum, Mornah’s call could spark a significant shift in Ghana’s approach to education, governance, and cultural expression, one that places Ghanaian heritage at the heart of national development.