In a bold move, Ghana’s government announced that from now on the use of Ghanaian local languages as the primary medium of instruction will be compulsory in all basic schools. This educational reform—introduced by Haruna Iddrisu, Ghana’s Education Minister—marks a major shift away from English as the dominant teaching language, especially in early years.
While the policy has received praise for its cultural sensitivity and literacy-focused intent, it also raises urgent questions about resources, teacher training, and global competitiveness.
What the Policy Says
During the launch of the Free Tertiary Education initiative for persons with disabilities in Accra, Minister Iddrisu declared that teachers must now deliver lessons in students’ mother tongues, such as Twi, Ewe or Dagbani, rather than solely in English. He emphasised:
“A Ghanaian child was not born into an English family but a proud Akan family… This is part of President Mahama’s Reset Agenda.”
This directive tasks both the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry to ensure strict enforcement across the country.
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Why the Shift?
Supporters of the reform say children learn best when taught in the language they understand. Studies show that early-grade learners grasp concepts more easily when their mother tongue is used in instruction.
Ghana’s multilingual population — with over 80 indigenous languages — has long debated the role of English versus local languages in education. This policy brings that debate to the forefront.
The Challenges Ahead
Implementation will not be without obstacles. Some of the primary concerns include:
- Resource constraints: Many schools lack textbooks, teaching aids or trained teachers proficient in local languages.
- Global English advantage: Critics worry that reducing early exposure to English may hinder students’ readiness for higher education and international opportunities.
- Language diversity and logistics: With dozens of languages, choosing which to use and ensuring consistent quality across regions presents a major administrative challenge.
