The “Hear! Hear!” convention is one of the most enduring linguistic features of parliamentary practice in Ghana, reflecting the country’s Westminster heritage and commitment to procedural decorum.
This article examines the origin, meaning and function of the expression “Hear! Hear!” within the context of the Parliament of Ghana.
It also highlights its normative value in maintaining order, civility and rational engagement during legislative debates.
Language plays a central role in shaping parliamentary identity and decorum.
The Parliament of Ghana, like other Commonwealth legislatures, has inherited a distinct linguistic culture from the British Westminster model.
Among these linguistic traditions is the “Hear! Hear!” expression — a controlled and dignified form of vocal approval used by Members to show agreement with a point made by another Member.
Unlike applause or clapping, which are prohibited in the Chamber, the use of “Hear! Hear!” represents a measured and intellectual form of assent.
It serves as a reminder that parliamentary debate is not a spectacle but a process of reasoned deliberation designed to advance the public interest.
Historical, procedural context
The convention originates from the British Parliament, where Members in the seventeenth century would shout “Hear him! Hear him!” to encourage attention to a speaker’s argument. Over time, this phrase was shortened to “Hear! Hear!”, becoming the accepted method of vocal support in the House of Commons (Griffith & Ryle, 2003).
Ghana’s adoption of this convention reflects its institutional continuity with the Westminster system. Since independence in 1957, and particularly under the 1992 Constitution, Ghana’s Parliament has retained many procedural and linguistic features of its colonial predecessor.
The Standing Orders of Parliament reinforce decorum and order in debate, prohibiting Members from clapping, shouting or cheering during proceedings.
Instead, the controlled use of “Hear! Hear!” is permitted as a legitimate expression of approval, demonstrating both respect for procedure and unity in discourse (Parliament of Ghana, 2024).
Purpose, significance
The “Hear! Hear!” convention serves multiple purposes within parliamentary culture:
(a) Preserving Decorum
It ensures that parliamentary proceedings remain solemn and orderly. Loud applause or shouting would reduce the Chamber to a performance stage rather than a forum of reasoned discussion.
(b) Encouraging Intellectual Engagement
“Hear! Hear!” emphasises the importance of argument over personality.
It signals that Members are attentive to the merits of the debate, not merely to the speaker’s political alignment.
(c) Promoting Equality Among Members
Since all Members may express approval verbally and equally, the practice discourages factional displays and helps maintain balance and mutual respect in debate.
(d) Supporting Speaker’s Authority
The Speaker of Parliament retains discretion to moderate its use.
When applied properly, it assists in maintaining control over proceedings and contributes to the tone of debate.
Through these roles, the convention strengthens the ethical foundation of parliamentary dialogue and upholds Parliament’s reputation as the custodian of national civility.
Comparative, contemporary context
Similar traditions persist across Commonwealth parliaments. In the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Nigeria and Kenya, clapping remains largely prohibited, with “Hear! Hear!” serving as the preferred form of approval.
Although some modern legislatures have relaxed these norms during ceremonial sessions, Ghana’s Parliament continues to adhere to the traditional form, reflecting its deep respect for procedural discipline (CPA, 2022).
This status reinforces Ghana’s position within the Commonwealth parliamentary family, demonstrating institutional maturity and respect for inherited constitutional conventions.
Conclusion
The “Hear! Hear!” convention, though seemingly simple, plays a profound role in shaping Ghana’s parliamentary culture.
It is a linguistic emblem of decorum, discipline and democracy — principles that define the moral authority of Parliament.
By maintaining this tradition, Ghana’s Parliament preserves a centuries-old ethos of reasoned debate over emotional display.
As Ghana’s democracy develops, the continued observance of “Hear! Hear!” reflects not nostalgia but a conscious commitment to orderly communication and institutional dignity.
It is a reminder that the strength of parliamentary democracy lies not in applause, but in the wisdom and restraint of its words.
The writers are a lawyer and author (E-mail: antiben2000@yahoo.com) & a legal researcher (E-mail: aappiahlarbi@gmail.com), respectively.
