For two weeks in December 2025, the Kusaal language came alive on phones, laptops, and social media feeds, as young people and elders joined an online campaign to promote one of Ghana’s indigenous languages spoken mainly in the Upper East Region.
The activity formed part of the National Kusaal Language Day (NKLD), marked every December 17 since 2022. In 2025, the celebration went beyond a single day. It grew into a 14-day online language promotion drive, led by the Kusaal Wikimedians Community (KWC), with support from the Dagbani Wikimedians User Group (DWUG).
The initiative was led by Engineer Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen, a Wikimedian contributor known online as Engr Winna’amzua.
The main aim was to encourage young people and the general public to learn, use, and value the Kusaal language online. Organisers wanted Kusaal to be visible on platforms where young people already spend time—social media, videos, and digital learning spaces linked to Wikimedia projects.
“We want Kusaal to be seen, heard, and used online, not only spoken at home,” organisers said.
The campaign used simple digital tools to connect generations, allowing elders to share knowledge while young people helped push the language into the digital world.
The activities began on December 18 with a Kusaal Challenge on social media. Participants shared short stories, poems, greetings, and everyday messages written in Kusaal. The Kusaal Wikimedians Community also created and shared Kusaal word cards, making it easier for beginners to learn basic words.
These posts also reminded people why indigenous languages matter, especially at a time when many local languages are slowly disappearing from daily use.
On December 19, attention turned to storytelling. Elders were recorded on short folktales in Kusaal through videos and online sessions. Young people listened, asked questions, and learned both language and culture directly from their elders.
The session showed how technology and Wikimedia-style knowledge sharing can help preserve oral traditions for future generations.
On December 20, beginners were encouraged to learn under the theme “Learn 10 New Kusaal Words.” Participants shared short videos practicing pronunciation and using the new words in simple sentences.
These videos were shared widely online, allowing others to learn at their own pace. Some of the content is expected to support future Wikimedia language projects, including Kusaal content on Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons.
The campaign continued on December 21 with Kusaal Proverbs Day. Community members shared traditional proverbs and explained their meanings in simple language.
Young people explained what the proverbs teach about life, respect, hard work, and community values. This helped link language learning to culture and everyday life.
By the end of the campaign on December 30, 2025, organizers observed strong engagement, especially among young people. More users began sharing Kusaal content online, and discussions about language preservation increased.
The initiative also strengthened intergenerational learning, as elders and youth interacted through digital platforms—an approach strongly aligned with Wikimedia’s goal of sharing free knowledge with the world.
The Kusaal Wikimedians Community says such activities should not stop at celebrations alone. They recommend regular online language activities and expansion to support other Ghanaian languages through Wikimedia platforms and social media.
Organizers believe that when local languages are added to Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, and other open platforms, they gain new life in the digital age.
“Our languages matter,” the group said. “If they are not online, they risk being forgotten.”
The 2025 National Kusaal Language Day campaign has shown that with community effort, simple digital tools, and Wikimedia support, indigenous languages like Kusaal can find a strong and lasting voice online.
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