Coping With Non-Literacy in Parliament

Last Thursday, I spoke at the British Council. My lecture focused on non-literacy and leadership in governance. I highlighted the efforts of bold women like Madam Akua Donkor. She is an illiterate who aspired to be president. She dreams of a Parliament that embraces local languages.

The lecture was well-attended and organized by Ashesi University. Dr. Patrick Awuah, President and Founder of Ashesi, chaired the event. The full lecture is available on YouTube. Below is feedback from a student who shared her thoughts on social media.

She wrote, “From ‘I wish I could be there’ to ‘I’m so grateful I was!’” Just days ago, she commented under a post by Joseph Oduro-Frimpong. At that time, her schedule was overwhelming with assignments and meetings. However, the lecture title resonated with her: “Multilingual Democracy: Non-Literacy and Leadership in Modern Ghanaian Governance.”

She decided to attend the lecture.

Her decision became one of her most transformational experiences this semester.

The lecture was raw, honest, and deeply reflective. It revealed several important points:

Literacy goes beyond English; wisdom is deeper than a certificate.

Akua Donkor faced ridicule for her lack of formal education but uplifted her community instead. She reserved land for a university, sponsored students, and founded a political party.

Local languages and cultures deserve central roles in national governance.

Formal education can alienate us from our roots if not balanced with cultural wisdom.

One line stayed with her: “An intellectual must be literate — FALSE.”

As a tech student learning Java and Python, she realized some vital "languages" are at risk of being silenced—our mother tongues and traditions.

This experience reignited her belief that true leadership focuses on impact rather than fluency.

Wisdom can speak Twi, Ewe, Dagbani, or Ga—and still lead nations effectively.

Uplifting local voices elevates democracy itself.

She thanked @Joseph Oduro-Frimpong for fostering these conversations. She also expressed gratitude to Emeritus Prof. Kwesi Yankah for sharing his insights during the session.

To anyone reading this:

If something speaks to your heart—even if it feels inconvenient—pursue it! Show up and make time for growth. You never know how one moment can change your perspective.

Gertrude Akagbo

[email protected]

Dr. Patrick Awuah introduced the speaker at the event.
Kwesi Yankah posed with the Erudite Faculty of Ashesi University.