Writers call for the study of local languages in schools

Accra, Sept 26, GNA - Two books on Akan language usage, and another on African unity, were on Monday launched in Accra, with a suggestion to Government to enforce the study of local languages in schools. The "Akan Nsemfuasekyere", "Mofra Akan Kasa Nsemfuasekyere" and "The African Nation" are part of a series of publications by the South Africa-based Centre for Advanced Studies of African Society (CASAS). Mr Alex Oteng Boakye, Mr James Gyekye-Aboagye, Mr Samuel Apeatu Gyima, Mr Lawrence Adi Okraku and Mr Samuel Katamanto Coleman, all former tutors and writers at the Bureau of Ghana Languages, contributed to the two Akan books, while Prof Kwasi Krah of CASAS authored the "African Nation."

The two books in the Akan come as a dictionary, dealing with the correct spelling and usage of words in the Akan language, as "The African Nation" explores the link of culture as formidable basis for African development.

Launching the books, Ms Joyce Rosalind Aryee, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, said it was sad that apart from English as the official language, Ghana did not have a national dialect. She said language should be used as a tool for national development, adding that Akan was a very major language in Ghana, and knowing it would help bind the nation.

Mr Gyekye-Aboagye, one of the contributors of the Akan books underscored the need for a firm and steadfast Ghanaian language policy and its enforcement to enhance the study of Ghanaian languages in schools.

He said the study of local languages in schools would inspire writers to write more.

Prof Kwame Bediako of the Akrofi Christaller Institute announced that the Institute now required as matter of policy for abstracts of dissertations to be presented to the Institute to be written in a local language.