The presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged to prioritize the preservation of the Ga language by ensuring it is effectively taught in schools.
Addressing concerns about the decline of the language, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the need to protect the cultural identity of the Ga people, stating that the neglect of local languages poses significant risks to their survival.
Speaking at the Ga Mantse’s palace on Thursday, November 28, he noted that many residents of the Ga state can thrive without speaking Ga, which contributes to the diminishing use of the language.
Dr. Bawumia also highlighted other pressing issues affecting the Ga state, including land disputes, youth unemployment, and limited educational opportunities and promised to find a lasting solution to these problems when elected president.
He said the demand for land in the capital, which hosts both the administrative and economic centers of the country, has made it increasingly difficult for indigenes to access affordable land. He described this as a critical issue that requires immediate intervention.
Dr. Bawumia observed that the capital’s status as a hub for people from across the country has resulted in fierce competition for jobs and school placements, leaving many Ga youth at a disadvantage.
He assured the Ga Mantse and his people that under his leadership, these challenges would be addressed. He reiterated his commitment to resolving longstanding land disputes between the Ga state and the government, promising a collaborative approach that would favor the interests of the Ga people.