The Member of Parliament for Suhum in the Eastern Region, Frank Asiedu Bekoe, also known as Protozoa, has announced his intention to introduce a Private Member’s Bill aimed at elevating local languages within Ghana’s national language policy.
This legislative initiative, he says, is part of a broader vision to promote cultural identity, linguistic diversity, and national cohesion.
Protozoa made the revelation during a constituency-wide engagement tour that included meetings with traditional leaders at the Suhum Palace, Christian clergy at the Pentecost Church (LA Nyarko Memorial Sanctuary), and Muslim leaders at the Suhum Central Mosque over the weekend.
These interactions were part of a concerted effort to thank constituents for their support and to update them on ongoing parliamentary and community initiatives.
“We cannot continue to overlook the value of our indigenous languages,” the MP stated.
“Language is culture, and by giving our local dialects formal recognition within national policy, we safeguard our identity for future generations.”
The proposed bill would seek to strengthen the presence of local languages in education, media, and governance, ensuring they are not only preserved but actively promoted across the country.
Protozoa emphasized that language inclusivity could serve as a unifying force in a country as diverse as Ghana.
His legislative push comes at a time when concerns are growing over the decline of indigenous languages, particularly among younger generations.
Protozoa believes that by mainstreaming local languages within national policy, Ghana can both protect its cultural heritage and strengthen civic participation.
Beyond the legislative agenda, Protozoa used the occasion to highlight his new parliamentary responsibilities as a Member of the Budget Committee and the Deputy Ranking Member on the Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions Committee.
He noted that these roles place Suhum in a strategic position to influence key national decisions on the economy and labour.
He also touched on health and security matters he has raised in Parliament, including efforts to draw attention to the spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory illness, and questions posed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs about enhancing national security systems.
On the home front, the MP reported progress on several constituency projects.
These include the Suhum MP’s Widows Support Project and the upcoming launch of an Educational Support Fund targeting brilliant but underprivileged students, particularly those pursuing STEM subjects.
He stressed that no child in Suhum should be left behind due to financial constraint.
Protozoa also advocated for infrastructure improvements, calling for the construction of a proper durbar ground in Suhum to host community events like Odwira, funerals, and traditional festivals.
Currently, these gatherings strain the limited space at the local lorry station.
He praised the recent interfaith collaboration among traditional leaders, pastors, and imams during a successful clean-up exercise, calling it a symbol of Suhum’s unity and potential.
Looking ahead, Protozoa reiterated his commitment to tackling rising concerns such as youth opioid abuse and pledged continued community engagement through an upcoming thank-you tour.
“Every corner of Suhum has a voice, and I’m here to listen,” he said.
“Our development must reflect our values—and language is at the heart of who we are.”
With his proposed bill, Protozoa is setting the stage for a national conversation on identity, inclusion, and the future of Ghana’s cultural legacy
–BY Daniel Bampoe
