{
  "id": 746656,
  "title": "Arabic not compulsory in schools – Education Ministry",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/arabic-not-compulsory-in-schools-education-ministry",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-13T08:26:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghanaian Times",
    "slug": "ghanaian-times",
    "url": "https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/arabic-not-compulsory-in-schools-education-ministry/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ministry of Education has dismissed claims that it intends to make Arabic a compulsory subject in Ghanaian schools. The Press Secretary to the Minister, Hashmin Mohammed, clarified in a statement that Arabic is currently an optional language subject, akin to French and other foreign languages. The ministry explained that the creation of a standardized curriculum for Arabic aims to enhance the quality of instruction in schools where the language is already being taught. They emphasized that there is no policy or directive to impose the study of Arabic on Ghanaian students, and it should not be misunderstood as a religion or an attempt to promote religious beliefs. The process of developing this curriculum began several years ago, predating the appointment of Haruna Iddrisu as Minister of Education. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) developed a unified Arabic curriculum to regulate its instruction in English-Arabic or Islamic schools. The ministry urged the public and media to verify information from official sources to prevent misconceptions and unnecessary fears.",
  "summary": "The Ministry of Education has denied claims that it is seeking to make the teaching and learning of Arabic compulsory in Ghanaian schools. It said reports circulating in the public domain were misleading and could create misconceptions among the public. In a statement signed by the Press Secretary to the Minister of Education, Hashmin Mohammed, … The post Arabic not compulsory in schools –…",
  "key_points": [
    "Arabic not compulsory in Ghanaian schools",
    "Ministry clarifies Arabic is optional language subject",
    "Curriculum development aims to enhance instruction quality"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Education Ministry's clarification on Arabic being optional means students retain flexibility in their language choices, and schools can focus on improving instruction in the subject where it is already taught.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}