A Public Defender with the Legal Aid Commission lawyer Ernestina Obboh Botchwey has noted that English is not the only language Ghanaian courts use in criminal proceedings.
She advised people who appear as witnesses or accused persons in Ghanaian courts to feel free to choose any language they can competently use instead of sticking to English, which they may struggle to understand.
Ms Obboh Botchwey explained that the Courts are supposed to communicate with people in the language they choose when they appear as witnesses or accused persons.
“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 that they’re are 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.
