Accra, Ghana – Ghanaian musician and radio presenter Blakk Rasta has expressed his desire for parliamentarians to use Pidgin English as a medium of communication in Ghana’s parliament. According to him, this will help a lot of people understand what is discussed on the floor of parliament.

Background and Rationale

Blakk Rasta believes that the use of Pidgin English in parliament will break the communication barrier that exists between the lawmakers and the general public. He argues that the complex English used in parliamentary debates often requires the media to simplify and explain the issues, which can lead to misunderstandings. By using Pidgin, which is more widely understood, he believes that more people will be able to follow and engage with the discussions.

Pidgin English is a lingua franca in many parts of West Africa, including Ghana, where it is commonly spoken across various social and economic groups. Its use in parliament, Blakk Rasta argues, would make the legislative process more inclusive and accessible to a broader audience, ensuring that more Ghanaians are informed about and involved in national issues.

Support for Pidgin in Parliament

Blakk Rasta has praised individuals like A Plus and Baba Sadiq, who have spoken Pidgin in parliament, and has encouraged more parliamentarians to do the same. He feels that this will democratize the discussions and make them more accessible to the average citizen. He has also called for a radical change in the way parliament operates, suggesting that it should be brought down to the level of the people.

In his view, Pidgin English is not just a simplified form of English but a rich and expressive language that can capture the nuances of everyday life. By incorporating Pidgin into parliamentary debates, lawmakers can bridge the gap between themselves and the people they represent, fostering greater transparency and accountability.

Impact on Public Engagement

The use of Pidgin in parliament could potentially increase public engagement and participation in political processes. Blakk Rasta believes that when people understand what is being discussed, they are more likely to get involved and hold their representatives accountable. This could lead to a more informed and active citizenry, which is essential for a healthy democracy.

Moreover, the inclusion of Pidgin English in official settings could help preserve and promote this important aspect of Ghanaian culture. Pidgin has a rich history and is a vibrant part of everyday life for many Ghanaians. Recognizing it in such a formal setting would validate its significance and encourage its continued use and development.

Potential Challenges

However, the idea of using Pidgin English in parliament is not without its challenges. Critics argue that the formal nature of parliamentary proceedings may be undermined by the use of Pidgin, which is often seen as informal. There may also be concerns about the consistency and accuracy of translating legal and technical terms into Pidgin, which could complicate legislative processes.

Despite these challenges, Blakk Rasta remains optimistic about the potential benefits of his proposal. He believes that with careful planning and implementation, the use of Pidgin in parliament can be a positive step towards greater inclusivity and public engagement.

Blakk Rasta’s call for Pidgin English in parliament highlights the need for more inclusive and accessible communication in political institutions. By breaking down the language barrier, it is possible to create a more engaged and informed public, which can lead to better governance and accountability. His vision for a more democratic and transparent parliament resonates with many who believe in the power of clear and simple communication.

The debate over using Pidgin in parliament is likely to continue, but Blakk Rasta’s advocacy has already sparked important conversations about language, accessibility, and democracy in Ghana.