Dr. Apaak headlines mega language conference on February 20

Deputy Education Minister Clement Abas Apaak will headline a major language conference on February 20 to mark International Mother Language Day.

The event, organised by the Ghana Library Authority (GhLA), forms part of activities commemorating the 2026 International Mother Language Day.

It is scheduled to take place from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the GhLA Main Conference Hall.

Held under the theme “Languages Preserved on Pages,” the programme is designed as a language conversation focusing on the collection of translated poems by renowned academic Ladé Wosornu. The discussion is expected to explore the role of translation and documentation in safeguarding indigenous languages and literary heritage.

Dr. Apaak is billed as the headline speaker for the conference, underscoring the government’s interest in promoting mother tongue education and strengthening Ghana’s linguistic diversity through policy and institutional support.

Other distinguished personalities expected at the event include Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Sarah Dorgbadzi; Acting Chief Executive Officer of GhLA, Ziblim Iddi Alhassan Bintinche; Professor of Research at the Language Centre of the University of Education, Winneba, H. Avea Nsoh; and culture policy expert Richardson Commey Fio.

The conference aims to spark dialogue on how written works, particularly translated literary texts, can serve as tools for preserving languages that face the risk of decline.

Organisers intend to highlight the value of cross-linguistic scholarship in sustaining cultural identity by placing emphasis on Prof. Wosornu’s translated poems.

International Mother Language Day is observed annually to promote linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide.

In Ghana, where multiple indigenous languages are spoken, the commemoration provides an opportunity for institutions and policymakers to reflect on strategies for language preservation and inclusive education.

The programme is supported by the Creative Arts Agency, as part of broader efforts to advance literature, arts and cultural expression in the country.