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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
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
