Gospel musician Celestine Donkor has emphasised the need to preserve Ghana’s traditional heritage, especially indigenous languages.

Speaking on the No.1 Gospel Showbiz programme on Accra-based No.1 FM, hosted by Taller Dee, the award-winning singer stressed that every aspect of Ghanaian heritage — from music to customs — deserves protection, but language must be given special attention.

According to her, many Ghanaian homes are gradually shifting away from indigenous languages, with English becoming the dominant first language for children. She noted that while English plays an important role in education and communication, it should not replace local languages in the home.

“In many homes today, children grow up speaking English as their first language because that is what they are taught in school and use in writing. Over time, they begin to see English as everything, and we slowly lose touch with our authenticity, especially when it comes to language,” she explained.

Celestine Donkor, who is Ewe, shared her personal experience to highlight the issue. She revealed that although she speaks Ewe, the difference becomes clear when she converses with elders who were raised in their native communities.

“I am an Ewe, but because I was not born and raised in the village, you can clearly hear the difference when I speak compared to the seniors. As time goes on, our languages are becoming diluted,” she said.

She therefore encouraged parents to make a conscious effort to speak local languages at home, insisting that children should be fluent in their mother tongues. She expressed concern over situations where students excel in English but struggle to pass Ghanaian language subjects in school.

“Our children should not be scoring high marks in English and failing Twi or other Ghanaian language exams.

That should tell us that something is wrong,” she added.