French, Arabic, Chinese not compulsory – Education Ministry
The Education Ministry has clarified the government’s language-of-instruction policy for basic schools following public discussions and misconceptions about the use of Ghanaian and foreign languages in the country’s education system.
The Education Ministry in Ghana has clarified its language-of-instruction policy for basic schools following public confusion and misconceptions. According to the ministry, Ghanaian languages will be the primary medium of instruction from Kindergarten to Primary Three, with the aim of strengthening foundational literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and cognitive development.
From Primary Four to Primary Six, both Ghanaian languages and English will be used, supporting a smooth transition to higher levels of education where English plays a greater role. Foreign languages like French, Arabic, and Chinese are not compulsory and will be offered as optional subjects, contingent on the availability of qualified teachers and learning resources.
The ministry emphasized that this policy aligns with internationally accepted educational practices and Ghana's commitment to improving literacy outcomes, promoting multilingualism, and preserving its linguistic and cultural heritage. The ministry urged all stakeholders to disregard misinformation suggesting that foreign languages have been made compulsory in the proposed revised curriculum.
Brief written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.