Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has challenged the Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA) Ghana to write Africa's story in African voices. She made the call during a meeting with a delegation from the organisation on Monday, August 3.
Promoting African Languages and Literature
The Vice President commended PAWA Ghana for its advocacy and acknowledged the contributions of scholars and writers, including Professor Ladé Wosornu, whose work continues to promote African languages and literature. She stressed that language goes beyond communication, as it carries identity, values, history, and knowledge. According to her, meaningful progress in education and cultural development requires greater attention to indigenous languages, particularly at the foundational levels of learning.
Building Confidence and Identity
Professor Opoku-Agyemang encouraged writers to continue promoting Africa's achievements, resilience, and strengths through their work, particularly in children's literature. She noted that positive storytelling can help build confidence, identity, and appreciation for African heritage. She urged members of the Association to view challenges as opportunities for innovation and growth, and to play an important role in shaping perspectives and advancing the vision of a confident and self-aware Africa.
Emphasis on Indigenous Languages
The Vice President's call for greater attention to indigenous languages is particularly relevant in Ghana, where many languages are at risk of being lost. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, the country has over 100 languages, with many more dialects. However, the use of indigenous languages in education and cultural development is often limited, with many schools and institutions using English as the primary language of instruction.
A Challenge to Writers and Educators
Professor Opoku-Agyemang's challenge to PAWA Ghana is a call to action for writers and educators in Ghana and across Africa. It requires a commitment to promoting African languages and literature, and to using these languages to build confidence, identity, and appreciation for African heritage. It also requires a recognition of the importance of indigenous languages in education and cultural development, and a willingness to innovate and grow in the face of challenges.
What's Next
The Vice President's challenge to PAWA Ghana is just the beginning of a larger conversation about the role of language and literature in promoting African identity and cultural heritage. As Ghana and other African countries continue to develop and grow, it is essential that we prioritize the preservation and promotion of our indigenous languages and literatures. By doing so, we can build a more confident and self-aware Africa, and ensure that our stories are told in our own voices.
Source: Joy Online
