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Introduction
A video published by Joy News and X user Albert Nat Hyde has gained significant traction on social media after an Independent Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North Ohene Kwame Frimpong was seen addressing the House in a local dialect, Twi, on Feb 5, 2025. He explained that his constituents had requested he speak in Twi for better understanding.
The video shared on the users’ X accounts has amassed over 200,000 views. However, some comments directed at the MP were unpleasant. In response, DUBAWA sought to clarify what the law says about using local languages during parliamentary proceedings.
Source: X
Standing Orders of Parliament
Parliamentary standing orders are established rules that regulate the proceedings of a parliament. They are termed “standing” because they remain in force until the House decides to suspend, amend, or repeal them.
The revised standing orders took effect on Jan 2, 2024, following their adoption by a house resolution on Thursday, Dec 21, 2023. These updates introduced new practices and procedures, including the recital of the National Pledge and the conduct of parliamentary business through virtual platforms.
However, was the act of the Member of Parliament using a local dialect during proceedings in line with the standing orders? What do these rules say about speaking in a dialect? Order 63 of the standing orders, which can be found on page 24, explicitly outlines the approved language for parliamentary proceedings.
The order stipulates,
- “The proceedings of parliament shall ordinarily be conducted in English, except that a Member may exercise the option to address the House in a local language if facilities exist in the House for interpretation by the Member or for contemporaneous translation.
- The proceedings of Parliament shall be interpreted in sign language to the largest extent possible.”
This provision outlines the language policy for parliamentary proceedings. Here’s a breakdown
- English as the Primary Language: The official language for conducting parliamentary business is English. However, a Member of Parliament (MP) has the right to speak in a local Ghanaian language, provided that:
- There are facilities in Parliament that allow them to translate their speech into English.
- The MP can interpret their speech.
- Sign Language Interpretation: Parliamentary proceedings should be interpreted into sign language as much as possible, ensuring accessibility for people with hearing impairments.
Was an interpretation provided after the Member of Parliament spoke in Twi?
Yes. DUBAWA reviewed the parliamentary proceedings from February 5, 2025, as streamed on the official YouTube account of the Parliament of Ghana. The video confirms that after delivering his speech in Twi, the parliamentarian translated his speech into English.
This can be seen between 2 hours, 34 minutes, 50 seconds, to 2 hours, 35 minutes, and 55 seconds of the recording.
Conclusion
While English is the default language, MPs can speak in local languages if interpretation is available. Additionally, Parliament aims to make its proceedings inclusive by incorporating sign language interpretation.
