National Chief Imam supports Arabic as optional subject in public schools

The Office of the National Chief Imam in Ghana has endorsed the inclusion of Arabic as an optional subject within the country's public schools, emphasizing the language's significance in education, diplomacy, science, and international commerce. Dr. Abubakari Mohammed Marzuq Azindoo, the Personal Assistant to the National Chief Imam, highlighted the ongoing national dialogue surrounding the policy in a press statement.

He urged citizens to differentiate between the academic study of Arabic and its religious or sectarian associations, emphasizing that Arabic is a global language of diplomacy, science, and commerce, not tied to religious identity. Ghana's growing interconnected economy underscores the value of diverse language skills, particularly Arabic, which is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and widely spoken in economically significant regions.

The Office commended the Ministry of Education for developing a standardized curriculum through NaCCA, which will ensure quality and consistency in Arabic instruction. Students who opt for Arabic study will be better positioned for careers in international diplomacy, trade, and cross-border research. The Office also welcomed the clarification from the Ministry that Arabic would remain an optional subject, thus not compromising Ghana's secular educational system.

Article 56 of Ghana's constitution protects religious freedom, and Article 21(1)(c) guarantees freedom to practice and manifest one's religion. The Office argued that Arabic should be taught in the same manner as other foreign languages like French, German, and Spanish, without altering students' religious or cultural identities.

The Office called on educationists, policymakers, and the public to consider Arabic's academic benefits rather than seeing it as a tool for religious advancement. It encouraged all stakeholders to approach the issue objectively and focus on its potential contribution to national development. The Office supported the Ministry of Education's call for citizens to rely on authoritative sources for information on the policy, warning against misinformation that could lead to unnecessary religious tensions.

The Office reaffirmed its willingness to work with the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, and other relevant institutions to foster an inclusive, peaceful, and globally competitive education system in Ghana.