You are here: HomeNews2003 03 15Article 34068

General News of Saturday, 15 March 2003

Source: gna

Timber merchant calls on Ministers to use local languages

A timber merchant has appealed to Ministers of State and government functionaries to explain government policies and programmes to the people, particularly those in the rural areas, in a language they understood.

Mr Isaac Kofi Nketia, National Treasurer of the Ghana Timber Association (GTA), made the suggestion when addressing some timber producers

"It is deplorable to see Ministers and top government functionaries speaking English at functions in villages where the majority of the people do not understand the language."

Mr Nketia said although such addresses were later interpreted the practice did not achieve the needed impact.

"The villagers clap when they see others clapping without understanding what was said," he said.

He commended the Western Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Buahin Aidoo for always addressing his audience in the local language.

Mr Nketia appealed to all Ghanaians not to allow partisan politics to influence their decisions on government policies and programmes, adding that such partisan interests would undermine the progress of the country.