By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, May 4, GNA – Mr Bernard Ahiafor, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has warned that Ghana’s local languages, attire, and identity are increasingly giving way to foreign influences, citing the abandonment of traditional dress for imported fashions.
“Traditional garments are symbols of our heritage which store our dignity,” he said.
Mr Ahiafor made the remarks when he spoke on behalf of Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, on Monday at the celebration of May Day 2026 in Parliament House, Accra.
The First Deputy Speaker expressed concern that cultural elements were being lost in public spaces and media.
He cited Parliament as representing Ghana’s diversity, with members from different ethnicities, traditions, and occupations working together under one legislative arm.
Speaking on the theme: “Welcome Home” Mr Ahiafor, also the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Akasti South, highlighted the link between work, culture, and national identity, and urged the Parliamentary Service Staff to carry home values into public service.
He said, “work cannot be separated from culture, honesty, hospitality, integrity, confidence, resilience, diligence, and respect form the “bedrock” of a productive society.”
“At home, we are brought up with values. As we dedicate ourselves to our work, we must carry with us that form experience,” he added.
According to the First Deputy Speaker, the theme was chosen to encourage members and staff to connect with their roots, families, and communities.
Mr Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the Clerk to Parliament, said the Parliamentary Service will continue to prioritise staff welfare, invest in professional development and ensure that every form was needed.
“Public service will always offer immediate rewards but gives an opportunity to contribute many more national development,” he said.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, and also the NDC MP for Ketu South, said the ministry exist to creates conducive environment for sustainable growth and development of the sector to contribute to Gross Domestic Product through policies, plans, programs and projects.
International Workers’ Day is observed on May 1 each year to recognise the contributions of workers and labour movement.
May Day dates back to the late 1800s, when workers in the United States and Europe pushed for an eight-hour workday.
The date, May 1 became the international asymbolia for that struggle
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade
Elsie Appiah-Osei
[email protected]