Mother-tongue instruction to drive early learning under revised curriculum – Education Ministry

The Ministry of Education says the proposed revised curriculum will place greater emphasis on mother-tongue instruction in the early years of basic education, arguing that children learn best when they are taught in a language they understand.

The Ministry said the policy is intended to improve foundational literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and overall cognitive development while laying a stronger educational foundation for pupils before they transition to English.

In a statement, the Ministry announced that Ghanaian languages will be the primary medium of instruction from Kindergarten (KG) to Primary Three.

“In the proposed revised curriculum, Ghanaian languages will serve as the primary medium of instruction from Kindergarten (KG) to Primary Three. This policy is intended to strengthen children’s foundational literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and overall cognitive development by enabling them to learn in a language they understand best during their formative years.”

According to the Ministry, pupils will begin learning in a familiar language before gradually transitioning to bilingual instruction.

It explained that from Primary Four to Primary Six, both Ghanaian languages and English will be used as the medium of instruction to support learners as they advance through the education system.

“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 Ministry said the revised language policy is based on globally accepted educational principles that recognise the benefits of mother-tongue instruction during the formative years of a child’s education.

“The language policy is informed by internationally accepted educational practices, which recognise that children learn best when they begin their education in a familiar language before gradually transitioning to additional languages. It also aligns with Ghana’s commitment to improving literacy outcomes, promoting multilingualism, and preserving the nation’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.”

The Ministry also dismissed claims that foreign languages have been made compulsory under the proposed curriculum, stressing that French, Arabic, Chinese and other foreign languages will remain optional and will only be offered where qualified teachers and learning resources are available.

It reaffirmed its commitment to implementing evidence-based education policies that improve learning outcomes and equip Ghanaian children with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.