Member of Parliament of Asante-Akyem North, Ohene Kwame Frimpong
The Member of Parliament of Asante-Akyem North, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, has proudly stated that he is the first person to contribute to parliamentary proceedings in a local language.
Speaking in a recent interview on UTV, he emphasised that his decision was in line with the Standing Orders of Parliament.
“The Standing Orders of Parliament, specifically Order 63(1), state that the formal language for parliamentary proceedings is English. However, MPs are allowed to speak any local or indigenous language, provided there is an interpreter on the Floor of Parliament or a system in place to translate the language. In the absence of an interpreter or translation system, the MP must provide an immediate English translation after speaking.
“I did my checks and decided to go by Order 63(1). My motivation came from my constituents, who encouraged me to speak the local dialect so they could better understand my message. I informed the Second Deputy Speaker of my intention, and he asked if I would interpret after my submission. When I finished, I summarised my remarks in English,” he noted.
According to him, the feedback has been great, and he expects more MPs to emulate the gesture.
“I am the first person to contribute to parliamentary proceedings in a local language, and the feedback from my constituents has been very encouraging. I am very proud of it. This has sparked national debates, and I look forward to hearing more local dialects spoken in Parliament,” he added.
On February 5, 2025, Ohene Kwame Frimpong delivered a full contribution to parliamentary proceedings entirely in Asante Twi.
He stressed the need to improve road infrastructure across the country to boost local tourism.
The Independent MP also drew the attention of the House to the inefficient streetlights on roads, as well as the menace of prostitution in his constituency.
JKB/AE
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