The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana EXIM Bank, Sylvester Adinam Mensah, has emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the Ga language and cultural heritage. Speaking at the 10th anniversary celebration of community radio station Latenu FM in La on September 25, he called on Ga traditional authorities and parents to make greater efforts to teach children the Ga language and the history of their communities. This appeal comes amid concerns that some children understand Ga but hesitate to speak it, while others cannot speak the language at all.
According to Mensah, language is not just a means of communication but also a way of seeing and understanding the world. He recalled the stories, songs, and proverbs passed down by earlier generations, highlighting their significance in passing on wisdom, identity, and pride. He urged Latenu FM to consider programs that would help young people learn Ga and discover the history of their towns, institutions, and local figures. This, he believes, will enable children to develop a deeper connection with their cultural heritage.
Mensah praised Latenu FM for keeping the Ga language on the airwaves over the past decade and encouraged the station to expand its programs to podcasts, streaming platforms, and social media. This, he believes, will help reach younger listeners, including those living abroad. By doing so, the station can promote the Ga language and culture to a broader audience, ensuring its relevance and beauty are appreciated by future generations.
The Ghana EXIM Bank CEO emphasized that no child should grow up without knowing the story of the land beneath their feet. He encouraged parents and traditional authorities to take an active role in teaching children about their cultural heritage. This, he believes, will help instill a sense of pride and identity in the younger generation. Mensah's appeal is part of a broader effort to promote and preserve Ghana's cultural heritage.
Latenu FM has been instrumental in promoting the Ga language and culture through its programming. The station's 10th anniversary celebration provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the importance of preserving and promoting local languages and cultures. Mensah's speech was well-received, and his suggestions are expected to inform the station's future programming.
The Ga language is an essential part of Ghana's cultural heritage, and efforts to promote it are crucial. According to Mensah, the language is under threat of decline as children shy away from speaking it. This trend is concerning, as language is a vital component of a community's identity and cultural heritage. Efforts to revitalize the Ga language and promote it to younger generations are essential.
Mensah's advocacy for the Ga language and cultural heritage is part of a broader effort to promote Ghana's cultural identity. As the CEO of Ghana EXIM Bank, he has also been involved in initiatives aimed at promoting trade and export opportunities in Ga. His appeal to parents and traditional authorities to teach children the Ga language and history is a call to action to preserve and promote Ghana's rich cultural heritage.
Key points
- Sylvester Mensah urges parents and traditional authorities to teach children the Ga language and history to preserve Ghana's cultural heritage.
- The Ga language is under threat of decline as children shy away from speaking it.
- Latenu FM has been instrumental in promoting the Ga language and culture through its programming.
