Asantehene Calls for Promotion of Local Language

The Asantehene encouraged the students to have a mastery of both English and Twi.

Asantehene Calls for Promotion of Local Language
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has stressed the importance of promoting the use of local languages in the country and has called on Ghanaians to guard jealously against the various local languages “as they define and promote the collective interest of Ghanaians”.

According to the Asantehene, "this is the time for all and sundry to develop the interest in the study and speaking of the local languages” we need to heighten and revive them to redefine us as a people.”

Otumfuo Osei Tutu said this in a speech read on his behalf by the new Asafohene, Nana Akyeamfuor Asafo Boakye Agyemang Bonsu, at the final of the maiden Otumfuo Community Reading Challenge at the Manhyia Palace, last Friday.

The Asantehene revealed that the era where using the local language, especially Twi was considered demeaning was over and that it was time to encourage every Ghanaian to have a mastery of their local dialect.

“This is not to say that the English language should be relegated to the background rather, a grasp of the local language will give a better understanding of the English language”, he intimated.

The Asantehene encouraged the students to have a mastery of both English and Twi because “the English language is important in advancing and enhancing world transactions.”