Former Forestry Commission Director Calls for Twi to Be Recognised as Ghana’s Official Language
Former Director of Operations at the Forestry Commission, Charles Owusu, has called on the Ghanaian government to consider making Twi an official language, arguing that it could serve as a unifying medium across the country.
Speaking on Okay FM 101.7 on the “Ade Akye Abia” show with host Kwame Nkrumah Tikese on November 24, 2025, Owusu noted that while Twi is widely spoken, it is not yet formally recognised as a national language.
“Across regions such as the Volta, Upper East, Upper West, Central, Greater Accra, Oti, and others, Twi is not their local language, but the truth is, most people understand it,” Owusu said.
He emphasised that making Twi an official language would facilitate education and communication, particularly for children. “If we teach our kids in Twi and make it our official language, it will go a long way to help us as a nation,” he said.
Owusu also pointed out that about 70 percent of Ghanaians understand the Akan language, despite the country’s rich multilingual landscape. He called for open discussions on the topic, urging the government to take a bold decision and allow more public debate on adopting Twi officially.
“People have faced restrictions and even abuse for speaking the truth about this, but we must boldly say it: Twi should be recognised as a national language,” he concluded.
