Nii Mei, Naamei, and Honoured Elders,
I respectfully acknowledge Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs authority as custodians of the stools, traditions, and collective heritage of the GaDangme people. I pray that my call to GARHC to issue a binding and indivisible Instruction mandating the use of Stool Language in GadaŊme palaces, be seen as strong advocacy, or shared concern and responsibility for the future of our culture.
If we are committed to preserving and strengthening GaDangme identity, then the protection of our language must occupy a central place in our cultural priorities and engagements. Language is the vessel through which our history, values, customs, and worldview are transmitted from one generation to the next. When a language weakens, the culture it carries is placed at risk. This is why GRAHC demand a firm and non-negotiable Instructions for GadaŊme chiefs to use Stool Language in their Palaces
As traditional leaders, your public conduct, especially during formal and prime-time engagements serves as a powerful example. When chiefs speak and promote the language of the stool they occupy, they affirm cultural pride and continuity. More importantly, they signal to the younger generation that the GadaŊme language is relevant, dignified, and worthy of preservation.
I respectfully submit that encouraging the consistent public use of the GaDaŋme language by traditional authorities should be viewed not as criticism, but as a reaffirmation of platinum honour and royal responsibility. It is neither complex nor burdensome. It is a simple, unifying principle that can be applied across the GaDaŋme region.
The decline of our language is real, and it demands deliberate action and a matter of collective concern that should be addressed now through leadership by example as our strongest tool. If we act now on deliberate policy, and cultural education that may offer us the opportunity to safeguard not only words, but memory of foundational pillar of our identity for generations yet unborn.
I hereby, humbly call on all Traditional Councils to consider speaking of GaDaŋme language as good for promotion and preservation, and as a core mandate of chiefs in our ongoing efforts to protect and advance GaDangme heritage.
Now Therefore, Be It Resolved That:
(1). The Traditional Councils affirms language preservation as a core cultural responsibility among chiefs.
(2). Chiefs and traditional leaders are encouraged to consciously use and promote the GaDangme language, particularly during public, formal, and prime-time engagements.
(3). The public use of the GaDangme language by traditional authorities shall be upheld as a cultural standard and an expression of leadership by example.
(4). The Council shall support initiatives, education, and advocacy aimed at revitalising the GaDangme language across the region.
(5). Traditional authorities must play a leading role in cultural transmission, they must reinforce linguistic pride and legitimacy.
(6). Youth engagement initiatives shall emphasise the relevance and dignity of the GaDangme language.
I thank this Council for its wisdom, guidance, and enduring commitment to the survival of the future of GaDangme language for generations yet unborn. In our expected outcome I pray the chiefs will be strengthening cultural identity, increased public use of the GaDangme language, and sustainable transmission of heritage to future generations.
Osɔfo Nii Naate Atswele Agbo Nartey
