Blakk Rasta Advocates for Pidgin English in Parliament

   Ghanaian musician and radio presenter Blakk Rasta has expressed his desire for the adoption of Pidgin English in parliamentary proceedings, believing it would make discussions more accessible and relatable to the general public. Blakk Rasta, known for his outspoken views on social and political issues, argued that the formal English used in Parliament often creates a disconnect between lawmakers and the ordinary people they represent. He is particularly supportive of MPs who have occasionally used Pidgin in parliamentary debates, such as A Plus and Baba Sadiq, and wants to see it more widely used.

In a candid interview on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, Blakk Rasta emphasized that Pidgin is a language spoken and understood by many Ghanaians across various regions. He believes that incorporating it into Parliament would help the public better understand the discussions and decisions being made in the legislative house. “I’m glad to see people like A Plus speaking Pidgin in Parliament. I’ve heard him do it, and I’ve also heard Baba Sadiq use it. I think Pidgin should be used more, to bring Parliament to the level of the people,” Blakk Rasta explained. “The formal English can sometimes be too much. Pidgin is the language of the streets, and it would make parliamentary business more relatable.”

He noted that the complicated language often used in parliamentary debates makes it difficult for the average Ghanaian to follow and understand the issues being discussed. Blakk Rasta pointed out that after every parliamentary session, the media often has to break down the discussions for the public, which could be avoided if the language was made simpler and more familiar. “Radicalize the parliament house. Bring it to the level of the people,” he urged. “Encourage the people to be part of the discussions. Right now, when things are discussed in Parliament, it feels like it’s for the elites. We, the people, have to wait for journalists to explain things to us. I want to hear Pidgin in Parliament.”

His comments reflect his broader view that parliamentary discussions should be more inclusive and less elitist. Blakk Rasta believes that by using Pidgin, parliamentarians could engage with the public in a way that is both empowering and educational. He feels this approach would help break down the barriers that often keep the public disengaged from political issues. “When Parliament speaks in a language the people can understand, they will feel more connected to what is happening. People will care more about the issues and feel that their voices matter.”

Blakk Rasta also spoke about his personal decision to leave Ghana before the recent election, revealing that he had planned an exit strategy in case the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) won again. According to Blakk Rasta, he had grown increasingly frustrated with the government’s policies and the state of the nation, believing that the country was heading in the wrong direction under the current administration. “We need change, and I believe change is here. I was so fed up with the system that I told everyone that if they win again, I would leave the country,” he said. “A month before the election, I was already abroad, in Jamaica and the U.S., preparing for an exit just in case.”

Blakk Rasta compared his frustrations with the current government to Nigerian author Wole Soyinka’s famous vow to destroy his American passport if Donald Trump was elected U.S. president. “The NPP has put the country in a very austere situation. Ghana needs a break from this government,” Blakk Rasta remarked. His words reflect his deep dissatisfaction with the political landscape and the challenges faced by ordinary Ghanaians under the current administration.

Despite his desire to leave, Blakk Rasta has continued to voice his concerns publicly, using his platform to advocate for political and social change. His call for the use of Pidgin English in Parliament is a reflection of his broader desire for greater political inclusivity, communication, and engagement. Blakk Rasta’s advocacy for a more approachable Parliament underscores his belief in empowering ordinary Ghanaians and ensuring that their voices are heard in the legislative process.