The Nzema Maanle Traditional Council has called on people of Nzema descent to take pride in speaking the Nzema language as part of efforts to promote and preserve the indigenous culture.
The Council observed that many Nzema people were shying away from speaking their mother tongue and instead preferred foreign and other languages.
The issue came up for discussion at a general meeting of the Nzema Maanle Traditional Council held at Ampain in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.
The meeting brought together Paramount Chiefs, Divisional Chiefs, heads of educational institutions, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of companies, security agencies, the media and other relevant stakeholders from the three Nzema districts.
Madam Augustina Essel Cudjoe, Headmistress of Axim Girls Senior High School, who set the tone for the discussion, expressed concern that the Nzema language could become extinct within the next decade if urgent measures were not taken to preserve it.
She observed that many parents were not speaking Nzema to their children at home.
She said most Nzemas were not proud to speak their language and preferred other languages, including when communicating with foreigners who had travelled to the Nzema area to do business.
Madam Essel Cudjoe, who is also Chairperson of the Nzema Language Committee, deplored the practice of not using Nzema as a medium of communication during church services in many communities in the area.
She appealed to the Nzema Maanle Council to support the Nzema Language Committee in its efforts to revive and promote the language.
Awulae Attibrukusu III, Acting President of the Nzema Maanle Council, also expressed concern about indigenous Nzema people who were not proud to speak their own language.
He said everyone must be proud of their culture, stressing that language was an important aspect of culture.
Awulae Attibrukusu III said the Council would ensure that the Nzema language was taught and spoken in schools across the Nzema area.
