The Ministry of Education has clarified the Government’s proposed language of instruction policy for basic schools, stating that Ghanaian languages will remain the primary medium of instruction in the early years of education while foreign languages will be offered only as optional subjects.
The clarification follows public discussions and misconceptions over the use of Ghanaian and foreign languages in the country’s education system.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry explained that under the proposed revised curriculum, Ghanaian languages will serve as the primary medium of instruction from Kindergarten (KG) to primary three to strengthen pupils’ foundational literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and overall cognitive development.
According to the Ministry, the policy is designed to enable children to learn in a language they understand best during their formative years, thereby improving learning outcomes.
It said from primary four to primary six, both Ghanaian languages and English would be used as the medium of instruction to ensure a smooth transition to higher levels of education, where English assumes a greater role, while preserving learners’ competence in Ghanaian languages.
The Ministry further clarified that foreign languages, including French, Arabic and Chinese, have not been made compulsory under the proposed curriculum.
Instead, it said the languages would be offered as optional subjects for pupils who wish to acquire additional language skills, subject to the availability of qualified teachers and learning resources in their respective schools.
The Ministry explained that the language policy is based on internationally accepted educational practices, which recognise that children learn best when they begin their education in a familiar language before gradually transitioning to additional languages.
It added that the policy also aligns with Ghana’s commitment to improving literacy outcomes, promoting multilingualism and preserving the country’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
The Ministry therefore urged parents, teachers, school authorities, media organisations and the general public to disregard misinformation suggesting that foreign languages have been made compulsory in the proposed revised curriculum.
It reaffirmed its commitment to implementing evidence-based education policies that improve learning outcomes and equip every Ghanaian child with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | David Adapuna
