The Ministry of Education has clarified that the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as a medium of instruction applies only from Kindergarten to Primary Three (Lower Primary), and not across all levels of basic education.
The clarification follows widespread debate after Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu announced the compulsory use of local languages in schools.
Speaking at the launch of the Foundational Learning Action Tracker on Monday, October 27, Deputy Education Minister Clement Apaak explained that the directive was being misunderstood by sections of the public.
“The Honorable Minister for Education has asked me to clarify that the policy directive he announced on Friday regarding the compulsory use of mother tongue as a medium of instruction in our public basic schools is confined — emphasis, confined — to KG up to Primary 3,” Dr. Apaak said.
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He added that the policy’s scope is limited strictly to Kindergarten and Lower Primary, bringing an end to speculations that it covered the entire basic school level.
Meanwhile, Dr. Joyce Tawiah-Mensah, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast’s Department of Basic Education, has urged the government to demonstrate strong political commitment to make the policy effective.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, Dr. Tawiah-Mensah commended the initiative but stressed that its success would depend on adequate teacher training, provision of learning materials, and other key resources.
“It’s something that we can do, but we need political commitment in terms of teacher training, materials, and others,” she noted.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem