Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, emphasizes the alarming potential extinction of African languages within a century, urging action to preserve these cultural identities. He advocates for promoting multilingualism across Africa as a unifying tool and reiterates Ghana’s commitment to using indigenous languages in early education.
On March 20, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed profound concern regarding the potential extinction of several African languages within the next century. He emphasized that language is integral to a community’s culture and identity, urging Africans to take note of this alarming trend, particularly for languages spoken by smaller communities.
Mr. Ablakwa’s remarks were delivered during a flag-raising ceremony marking the 55th Anniversary of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) in Accra. This organization comprises 93 member states and is dedicated to promoting the French language alongside cultural and linguistic diversity, peace, and democracy.
According to the UNESCO Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger, it is estimated that up to 10 percent of African languages could vanish within a century. Mr. Ablakwa articulated this concern, urging collective action to safeguard these vital languages and cultures.
He advocated for African governments to actively promote multilingualism, particularly the use of indigenous languages, as vital for fostering unity, peace, and sustainable development. Emphasizing the benefits of multilingual education, he noted that it would enhance social cohesion and inclusivity.
Moreover, the Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to institutionalizing the use of first languages in early education across Ghana. This initiative aims to integrate indigenous knowledge and cultural narratives into educational materials, rendering learning more relevant and meaningful for students, which will ultimately help preserve indigenous languages and enhance educational outcomes.
In conclusion, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa highlights the urgent need to address the potential extinction of African languages as a critical cultural concern. He advocates for the promotion of multilingualism, particularly indigenous languages, to strengthen unity and sustainable development. The Ghanaian government’s commitment to incorporating indigenous languages into education is a crucial step towards preserving cultural heritage and enhancing student learning outcomes.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
