The Ministry of Education has clarified the proposed government language policy in basic schools nationwide. This comes after media reports in late July misrepresented the role of foreign languages in the revised curriculum, suggesting that French, Arabic, and Chinese were being made compulsory, particularly for Kindergarten (KG) to Primary Six.

These reports sparked widespread debate and controversy. Consequently, to set the record straight, the Ministry, in a formal notice dated August 2 and issued and signed by the Press Secretary to the Hon. Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, explained that “…in the proposed revised curriculum, Ghanaian languages will serve as the primary medium of instruction from Kindergarten (KG) to Primary Three”.

This, it said, will help children develop stronger foundations in reading and writing, mathematics, critical thinking, and understanding concepts more easily, as teaching in a familiar language at such levels makes comprehension easier.

“This policy is intended to strengthen children's foundational literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and overall cognitive development by enabling them to learn in a language they understand best during their formative years”, parts of the statement read.

Language in upper primary

Furthermore, students in upper primary will adopt local dialects as well as the English language as a medium of instruction.

According to the Ministry, “From Primary Four to Primary Six, both Ghanaian languages and English will be used as the medium of instruction. This bilingual approach is designed to support a smooth transition to higher levels of education, where English assumes a greater role, while preserving learners' competence in Ghanaian languages”.

Foreign languages optional

Addressing the major contentious proposal, the education regulator clarified that foreign languages such as French, Arabic and Chinese remain optional, not compulsory, as widely reported. It added that their availability will depend on the presence of qualified teachers and learning resources in the various schools.

“The Ministry further clarifies that foreign languages such as French, Arabic, and Chinese, among others, are not compulsory subjects. They will be offered as optional languages for pupils who wish to acquire additional language skills, subject to the availability of qualified teachers and learning resources in their respective schools”, the statement continued.

The Education Ministry also indicated that the language policy is informed by 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 also aligns with Ghana's commitment to improving literacy outcomes, promoting multilingualism, and preserving the nation's rich linguistic and cultural heritage.

The Ministry 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.

The Ministry remains committed 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.