Stop Twi Voiceovers in Telenovelas – Mike Oquaye Urged Ghanaians

Language needs to be used and culture needs to be seen. Culture and language go hand in hand.
Our local language must be useful in everyday matters. A good place to start would be road signs, names of famous places, and adapt it in our movies.

Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, a former speaker of parliament is worried about the way the “Twi language” is used as voice-overs to promote foreign content on Ghanaian televisions.

He believes it is bad for the culture and is concerned about how foreign values are being promoted at the detriment of indigenous ones.

He disclosed; "I implore our performers and screenwriters to release Ghanaian movies. Every time I hear Twi or Ga phrases shoved through European or Asian lips, I feel nauseous. If we want to grow as a people, the practise ought to end.”

These words were said at Okyenheneba Dr. Jones Akwasi Amoako Atta's memorial at the University of Ghana.

Prof. Oquaye is concerned about what may be left of the indigenous assets since he feels that the Ghanaian entertainment sector gives too much exposure to European and Asian content.

“These are the issues that divide a country. Malaysia and India are two places where it can never happen. In none of the Asian nations can it ever occur,” he said.

In order to spread societal ideals, he encourages film industry producers to make a conscious effort to create locally produced material.

Additionally, saving our local languages is crucial to ensure the protection of our cultural identity, dignity and safeguard our traditional heritage.

By: Michael Djan
French Tutor and Digital Marketing Blogger/Content Writer and GhanaWeb Professional Reporter/ frencheducationgh.com