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Bono language becoming extinct?
There is a growing concern among a section of the Bono people over the possible extinction of the Bono language.
The Bono language, an ancient language spoken by the Bono people, is at the risk of being lost forever due to few fluent speakers remaining, mostly the elderly.
This is attributed to globalisation and the dominance of widely spoken languages like English and Twi.
This situation has pushed some indigenous languages like the Bono language to the margins.
The situation has sparked a call to action for all Bonos to cherish and protect their invaluable heritage.
Elders and community leaders in the region have also added their voice to the issue and called on all who matter to take immediate steps to reverse the trend.
Speaking at a book launch on the Bono language in Sunyani recently, Okokyeredom Sakyi Akoto ll, Vice President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs noted that many young people see little economic and social value in learning their ancestral tongue, opting instead for languages that offer broader opportunities.
The chief observed that most Bono people shy away or feel shy to speak the language outside the region for fear of being ridiculed, a situation he said was very unfortunate.
He then encouraged parents to speak the language to their children at their various homes in a bid to revive the language and bring it to light.
He appealed to academia and other relevant institutions to help document and preserve the Bono language for succeeding generations.
The Chief Executive Officer of Bonoman Institute, a cultural organisations, Mr Ansu Gyabaah, emphasised that when a language dies “we lost part of humanity’s collective heritage. “
He, therefore, called for pragmatic measures to document and revitalise the language.
Mr Gyabaah further added that his outfit was working to preserve the Bono language with initiatives such as the launch of the Bono Bible, adding that effective teachings of the language in schools could go a long way to preserve the Bono language.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament to mark the World Language Day, Colonel (rtd) Kwadwo Damoah called for support and initiatives to have the Bono language recognised.
He appealed to indigenes, especially the youth of the region to speak the language proudly devoid of inferiority tendencies.
From Daniel Dzirasah, Sunyani
WOMEN in Sustainability Africa (WiSA) successfully held the African Women’s Health and Wealth Conference (AWoHW) with a call for research and investment into women’s healthcare.
It also called for robust financial systems and encouraged women to generate wealth as well as prioritise their health.
The conference held at the Shippers House in Accra on March 5, was on the theme: ‘Championing Inclusive healthcare and finance systems for African women and girls.’
Speaking on behalf of Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Sabia Kpekata, Programme Officer at the Ministry, said financial inclusion remains one of the most critical pathways to women’s empowerment and achieving sustainable development.
According to the minister, it is for this reason that the government continues to support initiatives that expand access to affordable credit, strengthen women-led enterprises and build financial literacy.
“Women must sit at the policy table where budgets are approved, health priorities are set, and economic policies are designed. This is why the ministry calls on all stakeholders to push for the effective implementation of the Affirmative Act,”
• Sabia Kpekata addressing the gathering
she stated.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, noted that many women suffer from mental health issues as a result of health financing, adding that, “this is why President Mahama has initiated the Accra Reset to tackle issues relating to women.”
On her part, the convener, Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, explained that, “Today is not just a conference – It is a declaration. It is a declaration that African women and girls will no longer stand at the margins of systems that determine their health, their wealth, and their future.”
According to her, it is a declaration that sustainability is not a slogan for them, rather, it is a strategy, a commitment and a promise.
The Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod Jewellery, Getrude Emefa Donkor, said saving alone cannot make one financially sound, adding that investing and having other sources of income was the best way to go.
WiSA is a Coordinating Pan-African Organisation that works with other CSOs, NGOs, Corporate Institutions, local and international development organisations and individuals to bring all women, men, young people and women groups together to foster the achievement of the SDGs across Africa
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Ghana Chapter has called for stronger action to protect the rights of women and girls and promote gender equality in the country.
The call was made in a statement issued in Accra to mark International Women’s Day 2026, celebrated globally under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”
Signed by its Chairperson, Dr Charity Binka, the statement said although progress had been made in advancing gender equality, many women and girls still faced barriers that limited their full participation in society.
It said the theme for this year’s celebration served as both a moment of reflection and a call to action for stakeholders to intensify efforts to protect the rights of women and girls.
The Network noted that Ghana had taken important steps toward gender equality, including the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act aimed at increasing women’s representation and participation in decision-making.
However, the network stressed that legislation alone was not enough and called for effective implementation, public awareness and institutional accountability to ensure the law translated into real opportunities for women and girls.
It, therefore urged the full implementation of the Affirmative Action Act to increase women’s representation in governance, leadership and public life.
It called for stronger access to justice for women and girls, including protection against gender-based violence and discrimination.
The network further advocated greater investment in girls’ education, digital inclusion and economic empowerment programmes for women, particularly through support for women entrepreneurs and improved access to finance.
Meanwhile, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Dwumfour, has paid tribute to women in the media for their dedication and professionalism.
In a message to commemorate the International Women’s Day, he commended women journalists and communication professionals for their courage in amplifying voices, telling important stories and shaping public discourse.
“To every women in journalism and the communication profession, thank you for the courage, professionalism and dedication you bring to informing our society,” he said.
Mr Dwumfour added that the contributions of women journalists continued to inspire the next generation and strengthen the media for women and girls in society, calling for sustained efforts to promote equality, respect and opportunities for women and girls in society.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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