Public Defender and Legal Aid Commission Lawyer Ernestina Obboh Botchwey, has emphasised that English is not the only language used in Ghanaian courts during criminal proceedings.
She urged witnesses and accused persons appearing in court to feel free to use any language they are proficient in, rather than struggling with English, which they may not fully understand.
Ms. Obboh Botchwey explained that the courts are obliged to communicate with individuals in the language of their choice when they give testimony or respond to charges, ensuring fairness and clarity throughout the legal process.
“I know you can type and read in English, but please, when you go to court as a witness or as an Accused person in a criminal case, please, you have the right to communicate and be communicated to in a language that you choose and prefer.
Please choose a language you are very comfortable with.
You can still choose to speak Twi, GA, Fante, etc, even if you are an English teacher, and the court will assist you with an interpreter,” she explained on social media.
She revealed that some people who choose English tend to have difficulties understanding the legal language used, stressing that they can choose other Ghanaian languages they’re comfortable with.
” Some of you try to understand the court Language, but sometimes you are not even able to understand when the court adjourns the case to another date.
If you choose another Language, you will get an interpretation that will help you to understand what’s going on properly. It’s your right. Use it for your own good,” she stressed.
Ghana’s official language is English. And many assume that it is the only language of the Courts, while others overestimate their proficiency in the language.
