The Ministry of Education has clarified that foreign languages such as French, Arabic and Chinese will not be compulsory subjects under the government’s proposed revised language of instruction policy for basic schools.
The clarification follows public concerns and discussions suggesting that the new curriculum would require pupils to study additional foreign languages alongside existing subjects.
In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Press Secretary, Hashmin Mohammed, the Ministry said such claims were inaccurate and had created misconceptions about the proposed policy.
The Ministry stressed that Ghanaian languages would remain at the centre of early childhood education, particularly during the foundational years of learning.
According to the Ministry, the revised curriculum proposes the use of Ghanaian languages as the main medium of instruction from kindergarten to Primary Three.
It explained that the approach is aimed at improving pupils’ foundational literacy, numeracy, critical thinking skills and overall cognitive development by allowing children to learn in languages they understand best during their formative years.
The Ministry further stated that from Primary Four to Primary Six, teaching and learning will be conducted through a combination of Ghanaian languages and English.
It said the bilingual system is designed to create a gradual transition to higher levels of education, where English becomes more dominant, while ensuring that pupils continue to develop competence in indigenous languages.
“From Primary Four to Primary Six, both Ghanaian languages and English will be used as the medium of instruction. This bilingual approach is designed to support a smooth transition to higher levels of education, where English assumes a greater role, while preserving learners’ competence in Ghanaian languages,” the statement said.
Foreign languages optional
Addressing concerns over the inclusion of foreign languages, the Ministry clarified that languages such as French, Arabic and Chinese would only be offered as optional subjects for pupils interested in acquiring additional language skills.
It said the availability of such courses would depend on the presence of qualified teachers and adequate learning resources in individual schools.
“The Ministry further clarifies that foreign languages such as French, Arabic, and Chinese among others are not compulsory subjects. They will be offered as optional languages for pupils who wish to acquire additional language skills, subject to the availability of qualified teachers and learning resources in their respective schools,” it stated.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to strengthening language education while ensuring that Ghanaian languages remain an important tool for improving learning outcomes at the basic education level.
