NPP demands apology or sacking of Education Minister over Arabic, Chinese language controversy

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has demanded that either President John Dramani Mahama provide an apology or remove Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu from office, following controversy over the proposed introduction of Arabic and Chinese language studies in Ghanaian schools. In a statement released on September 16, 2026, the NPP's Education Sector Policy Committee questioned the coordination of government policies due to conflicting statements from Mahama and the Education Minister.

The party argued that Mahama denied approving any policy to introduce Arabic and Chinese, yet Iddrisu had publicly announced their compulsory status for secondary schools, linking the decision to Mahama's vision for education. The NPP further stated that NaCCA had been directed by the Ministry to develop a revised curriculum, which included Arabic and Chinese, and that the Education Minister had referred the document to the Ghana Education Service for implementation.

The controversy has raised questions about public funds reportedly spent on curriculum development, workshops, and teacher training, with Mahama questioning how preparations for teaching Chinese had already progressed if the policy was not officially approved. The NPP stressed that the controversy extends beyond whether Arabic and Chinese should be taught, arguing that if the minister acted without presidential or Cabinet approval, Mahama should take action against him; if he acted with presidential or Cabinet authority, Mahama should apologize and explain the policy and expenditures involved.