Accra, Dec. 05, GNA – Nana Opare Kwarfo I, Kyedomhene of Aburi Atwiasin in the Eastern Region, has charged Ghanaians to make conscious effort to speak their mother tongues for the preservation of the country’s cultures and traditions.
The traditional leader believed by doing so Ghanaians, especially the younger generation, would learn more about their cultures and traditions.
Nana Kwarfo made the call during his speech at the inaugural Home Builders Africa Awards event, held at the Ohene Konadu Auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
He said it was absurd that some Ghanaians spoke only English at home and in public places, shying away from speaking their mother tongues, saying it ’embarrassment’ it brought them.
Nana Kwarfo argued that Ghanaians in metropolitan areas were more familiar with the customs and traditions of other nations than those of their own, because they spoke English when they interact with one another; this, he said, was a disturbing trend.
He emphasized that if the dominant culture was foreign, the younger generations would grow up either forgetting or not knowing about Ghana’s culture and traditions.
“Speaking in our native tongues will help our country advance, so let’s adopt this practice.
“Several nations do not speak English in addition to their own tongue, like China, where they speak their own language; we must start speaking Twi in everything we do, to preserve the cultural values and beliefs of the nation,” the chief said.
Nana Kwarfo received the “International Humanitarian Hero” award from the Home Builders Africa Awards.
He expressed gratitude to the Home Builders Africa Awards organizers for taking the initiative to acknowledge the significance and relevance of persons and companies who were making various contributions to creating tranquil homes.
The event was organized by Build Forward Africa with support from AfCFTA’s Young Entrepreneurs Federation (AfYEF), was focused on creating a strong home from the ground up so that it could be inhabited and lived in.
Abel Antonio Cardenas Tuppia, the Peruvian ambassador to Ghana, Dr Chris Agyemang, the president of Taabea Group, and Jane Reason Akushika Ahadzi, the CEO of Stopover JRA Enterprise, were among the dignitaries in attendance at the occasion.
GNA