In his thought-provoking article, Kwesi Yankah delves into the fascinating dynamics of ‘language in governance,’ tracing his journey from the revolutionary era to the present. Yankah’s narrative transports us to the remarkable blend of elites and grassroots that shaped Ghana’s political landscape during Rawlings’ PNDC regime, where the drafting of the 1992 constitution saw an unprecedented inclusion of diverse voices, from non-literates to lawyers, butchers to market women.
Yankah’s silent observation of this transformative period spurred him to explore the role of semi-literates in governance, culminating in his captivating essay titled ‘Butchers and the Constitution.’ Through insightful interviews and meticulous tracking of their participation in consultative forums, Yankah sheds light on the invaluable contributions of individuals often overlooked in traditional political discourse.
The narrative reaches its pinnacle in the mid-2000s, as Yankah immerses himself in the legacy of Nkrumah’s ‘Verandah Boys’ during the J.B. Danquah Memorial Lectures. Among them, Krobo Edusei emerges as a captivating figure, epitomizing wit, humor, and pedestrian logic in Ghana’s English-obsessed parliament. Edusei’s ability to distill complex concepts into relatable language reflects a profound understanding of the ordinary Ghanaian’s perspective, as evidenced by his famous quip that ‘socialism’ simply means ‘Di Bi Ma Mindi Bi. One Man No Chop.’
As Yankah unravels the legacy of figures like Krobo Edusei, he unveils a rich tapestry of voices that have shaped Ghana’s democracy. Through his exploration of ‘language in governance,’ Yankah invites us to reflect on the diverse narratives that underpin our understanding of political participation and representation in contemporary society. In doing so, he challenges us to recognize and embrace the invaluable contributions of all citizens, irrespective of their educational background or social status, in the ongoing pursuit of inclusive governance and societal progress.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE FROM KWESI YANKAH BELOW:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites) / Ahotoronline.com
