Social innovator and commentator, Bright Simons, has sparked a debate on the role and status of Twi, one of the most widely spoken languages in Ghana.
He claimed in a recent tweet that Twi, traditionally associated with the Akan ethnic group, has transcended its cultural roots and become a common medium of communication for all Ghanaians.
“Controversial but true: ‘Radio Twi’ is no more a cultural asset of the Akans. It has become a pan-Ghanaian ‘social convenience technology’. Native Twi speakers can sometimes not even recognise it. Like waakye, jollof, hiplife or azonto, it is not about authenticity but resonance,” he tweeted.
Simons included images of data on the Twi language to support his claim.
One was an article about Mozilla, a global software company, including Twi in their common voice data system, a project collecting and validating voice data for various languages to improve speech recognition technology.
He also displayed a survey showing that Peace FM, a Twi station, is rated top on the list of radio national ratings, followed by several other Twi stations such as Adom FM, Nhyira FM, and Okay FM.
Simons’ tweet comes at a time when the Ghanaian parliament is set to introduce the use of local languages on the floor of the House, promoting Ghanaian culture and safeguarding it from potential extinction.
According to Order 63 of the new Standing Orders, Members of Parliament (MPs) will be permitted to use any of the local languages, with interpretation and translation provided to ensure understanding by all present.
This initiative, scheduled to commence during the second meeting of the fourth session of the Eighth Parliament, was confirmed by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
He stated that necessary arrangements, including the provision of translators and appropriate gadgets, would be made to facilitate a seamless implementation. The new measure is expected to be implemented following the Easter break.
The move by the parliament has generated a lot of conversation on which of the about 80 languages in Ghana will be dominant in the House and which one can be added to English as the official language.
Some have argued that Twi, being the most widely spoken and understood language in the country, should be given priority and recognition.
Others have opposed this idea, saying that it would marginalise other languages and ethnic groups.
Bright Simons’ observation undoubtedly adds to the conversation about the Twi language’s dominance and influence in Ghana.
His tweet has elicited mixed reactions from the public, with some agreeing with his view and others challenging it.
The debate over language and identity in Ghana is not new, but it has gained new momentum and relevance in light of the recent developments and trends.