Sylvester Adinam Mensah, CEO of Ghana EXIM Bank, has expressed concern over the declining use of the Ga language among young people in Accra. Speaking at the 10th anniversary celebration of community radio station Latenu FM in La on September 25, 2026, Mensah noted that many Ga children can understand the language but hesitate to speak it, while others cannot speak it at all. He warned that losing a language has deeper consequences than just communication.
Mensah described language as more than just a mode of speech, but a way of seeing the world. He linked the Ga language to the stories, songs, and proverbs passed down by earlier generations, which carry wisdom, identity, and pride. He emphasized that the erosion of language carries deeper consequences, warning that a people who lose their language slowly lose their memory, and a people without memory can easily lose their way.
The decline of the Ga language among young people in Accra can be attributed to the city's growing cosmopolitan character. Mensah suggested that the mixing of populations and languages in the capital has diluted the use of Ga within many households. He stressed that it is essential for families and community institutions to deliberately pass the language on to children rather than assuming it will be absorbed naturally.
Mensah urged Latenu FM to develop dedicated programs to teach young people the Ga language alongside the history of their towns and institutions. He encouraged the station to extend its reach through podcasts, streaming, and social media so that younger listeners, including Ghanaians abroad, can engage with the content. He commended the station for keeping the Ga language alive on air over the past ten years.
The anniversary event included an awards ceremony recognizing individuals who have contributed to communities in La and the wider Ga traditional area. Mensah's comments come months after Ghana's Ministry of Education clarified that Ghanaian languages must serve as the primary medium of instruction from Kindergarten through Primary Three. This policy is part of a broader national effort to strengthen local-language education.
Mensah's warning about Ga's decline is part of a wider conversation about the place of indigenous languages in Ghanaian schools and homes. While no further timeline or specific program has been announced by Latenu FM in response to Mensah's appeal, his comments highlight the need for urgent action to preserve the Ga language. The Ga language is an essential part of Ghana's cultural heritage, and its decline could have long-term consequences.
The preservation of the Ga language requires a collaborative effort from families, community institutions, and the government. Mensah's appeal to Latenu FM and the wider community emphasizes the importance of working together to ensure the Ga language continues to thrive. By taking proactive steps to teach and promote the Ga language, Ghanaians can help preserve their cultural heritage for future generations.
Key points
- EXIM Bank CEO Sylvester Mensah warns that the Ga language is fading among Accra's children.
- Mensah urges families and institutions to act to preserve the Ga language.
- The decline of the Ga language has implications for Ghana's cultural heritage and identity.
