Dr. Apaak reiterates support to integrate Buli into basic school curriculum

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has expressed renewed support to integrate the Buli language into Ghana’s basic school curriculum through a structured national process.

The commitment was outlined in remarks delivered at a community stakeholder meeting focused on developing a unified orthography for the Buli language, a key step toward its formal inclusion in education.

Dr. Apaak indicated that the national curriculum framework already provides room for mother-tongue instruction, particularly in the early years of schooling, making the Buli initiative both timely and feasible.

He explained that the process would require careful progression through curriculum review, approval, and material development stages.

“The goal is for Buli to become a recognised language of instruction in basic schools serving Builsa communities,” he stated. “That goal is achievable, but it has a proper process — the Unified Orthography comes first, then curriculum review through NaCCA, then materials development, then teacher training.”

He stressed that early-grade education presents the strongest case for introducing the language, citing research on the benefits of mother-tongue learning.

“Research consistently shows that children learn foundational literacy most effectively in their first language,” he said, adding that advocacy efforts would focus on kindergarten and lower primary levels.

Dr. Apaak also highlighted the importance of teacher preparation in ensuring the success of the initiative.

“Curriculum inclusion without prepared teachers is an empty promise,” he noted. “Conversations about Buli in schools must always be paired with how we train, certify, and post teachers who can teach it.”

Beyond policy direction, he assured the community that he would push for the initiative at the national level.

“The outcomes of this meeting will inform my contributions in Parliament, in committee discussions, in budget debates, and in any relevant legislative conversations,” he said.

He further indicated plans to explore partnerships with development organisations to support the initiative, noting that such efforts should not rely solely on government funding.

Dr. Apaak emphasised that the success of the integration process depends heavily on community participation and ownership.

He urged stakeholders, including traditional leaders and educators, to actively support the development of the unified orthography and contribute to language materials.

“This project cannot succeed on the strength of academic expertise alone,” he said. “It requires the active participation and ownership of the entire Builsa community.”

The development of a unified orthography is expected to create consistency in writing the Buli language, making it possible to produce textbooks, train teachers, and standardise instruction across schools in the area.