Communication Expert and Assistant Registrar at the Kumasi Campus of the Ghana Technology University, George Akom, says one’s inability to express his or herself in a particular language should not be a prerequisite for any leadership role.
This statement by George Akom follows arguments that the Minster Designate for Fisheries, Hawa Koomson, was not able to express herself well when she was vetted by the appointments committee of Parliament on Thursday February 18th 2021.
After the vetting, the Minster Designate was subjected to public ridicule for her failure to eloquently express herself in the English language.
Hawa Koomson was trolled on social media for making incoherent statements in English during her vetting.
Speaking on Atinka FM’s AM Drive with host Kaakyire Ofori Ayim, Communication Expert and Assistant Registrar at the Kumasi Campus of the Ghana Technology University, George Akom, explained there the laws of Ghana do not make the speaking of a particular language a prerequisite for public office.
According to him, a person’s age is even more important in holding a public office than one’s inability to speak a language.
“One’s inability to express his or herself in a particular language should not be a prerequisite for any leadership role. The Constitution of Ghana does not state that a person who cannot speak a particular language should be prevented from holding a public office. If you meet with leaders from other countries, they come with interpreters to interact on their behalf. International conferences welcome interpreters,” he added.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu Boatemaa
