Sylvester Mensah Urges Preservation of Ga Language and Heritage at Latenu Radio’s 10th Anniversary

Sylvester Adinam Mensah, the CEO of Ghana EXIM Bank, has issued a passionate call to action for the preservation of the Ga language and cultural heritage. Speaking at the 10th-anniversary celebration of Latenu Radio (Latenu FM) in La on September 25, Mensah expressed deep concern over the visible decline in the use of the Ga language among the younger generation. He observed that while many children in the community can understand the language, there is a growing hesitancy or inability to speak it fluently, a trend he believes threatens the very foundation of Ga identity and community memory.

Mensah emphasized that language serves as more than just a communication tool; it is a vital repository of a people’s history and worldview. "Language is not just a way of speaking. It is a way of seeing," he remarked, underscoring that the loss of language often equates to a loss of cultural perspective. He urged Ga traditional authorities and parents to take active responsibility in teaching children not only the language but also the specific history of their ancestors. "Let no child grow up without knowing the story of the land beneath their feet," he stated, highlighting the importance of personal and communal pride in one's roots.

The EXIM Bank CEO also lauded Latenu Radio for its decade-long commitment to promoting Ga culture through its media content. He encouraged the station to expand its impact by leveraging modern digital platforms to reach the youth more effectively. By developing innovative programming focused on language acquisition and historical education, Mensah believes media institutions can bridge the gap between older and younger generations. He called for a collaborative effort where radio serves as both a classroom and a cultural hub to reconnect the youth with their heritage.

As the celebration marked a milestone for the La-based station, Mensah’s message served as a timely reminder of the link between linguistic preservation and community development. He argued that a strong sense of identity is essential for personal growth and societal cohesion. Moving forward, the call for action places the onus on families and local institutions to integrate the Ga language into daily life, ensuring that the rich traditions of the Ga people remain a living, breathing part of Ghana’s diverse cultural landscape.