Education Ministry has clarified that there is no prohibitio...

Education Ministry has clarified that there is no prohibition on the use of English in primary schools

The Ministry of Education has affirmed that English remains the language of instruction in basic schools across Ghana. This confirmation comes in response to concerns regarding the Ministry’s directive for schools to utilize the mother tongue for students from Kindergarten to primary three. In a statement released by Dr. Clement Apaak, the Deputy Minister for Education, on Thursday, October 30, the Ministry highlighted that the policy of incorporating children’s home languages alongside English is longstanding, originating from the time of independence, although it has not been fully realized. The Ministry clarified that instructing children in a language they comprehend, in conjunction with English, enhances educational outcomes in all subjects. It further pointed out that employing a language unfamiliar to a child can pose significant obstacles to literacy and overall academic success. To enhance learning outcomes from Kindergarten to Basic Year 3, the Ministry intends to reassess the policy and draw inspiration from successful local initiatives such as Complementary Basic Education, which involve communities and broaden early-grade instruction across Ghana’s 12 official languages. The objective of the policy is to ensure that by the conclusion of Basic Year 3, children are proficient in their home or playground language, thereby establishing a solid foundation for learning English and other languages as they advance in their education. International evidence from nations such as China, Finland, Japan, and Malaysia endorses this strategy, demonstrating that proficiency in the home language improves learning in additional languages and promotes national identity and cultural appreciation. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind, affirming that English and other international languages will continue to be part of the curriculum in schools. The statement emphasized that this strategy guarantees children receive the quality education they deserve while fostering responsible national and global citizens.

The Ministry of Education has affirmed that English remains the language of instruction in basic schools across Ghana.

This confirmation comes in response to concerns regarding the Ministry’s directive for schools to utilize the mother tongue for students from Kindergarten to primary three.

In a statement released by Dr. Clement Apaak, the Deputy Minister for Education, on Thursday, October 30, the Ministry highlighted that the policy of incorporating children’s home languages alongside English is longstanding, originating from the time of independence, although it has not been fully realized.

The Ministry clarified that instructing children in a language they comprehend, in conjunction with English, enhances educational outcomes in all subjects.

It further pointed out that employing a language unfamiliar to a child can pose significant obstacles to literacy and overall academic success.

To enhance learning outcomes from Kindergarten to Basic Year 3, the Ministry intends to reassess the policy and draw inspiration from successful local initiatives such as Complementary Basic Education, which involve communities and broaden early-grade instruction across Ghana’s 12 official languages.

The objective of the policy is to ensure that by the conclusion of Basic Year 3, children are proficient in their home or playground language, thereby establishing a solid foundation for learning English and other languages as they advance in their education.

International evidence from nations such as China, Finland, Japan, and Malaysia endorses this strategy, demonstrating that proficiency in the home language improves learning in additional languages and promotes national identity and cultural appreciation.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind, affirming that English and other international languages will continue to be part of the curriculum in schools. The statement emphasized that this strategy guarantees children receive the quality education they deserve while fostering responsible national and global citizens.