French, Arabic and Chinese in basic schools not compulsory – Education Ministry clarifies

The Ministry of Education has clarified the government’s proposed language of instruction policy for basic schools, stating that Ghanaian languages, not foreign languages, will form the foundation of teaching in the early years of education.

The clarification follows public discussions and what the Ministry described as misconceptions surrounding the use of Ghanaian and foreign languages in the country’s education system.

In a statement signed by the Press Secretary to the Minister of Education, Hashmin Mohammed, the Ministry explained that under the proposed revised curriculum, Ghanaian languages will serve as the primary medium of instruction from Kindergarten (KG) to Primary Three.

According to the Ministry, the approach is aimed at improving learning outcomes during children’s formative years.

“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,” the statement said.

The Ministry further stated that from Primary Four to Primary Six, instruction will be delivered in both Ghanaian languages and English to help pupils transition smoothly into higher levels of education while maintaining proficiency in local 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,” it added.

Addressing concerns over foreign languages, the Ministry stressed that subjects such as French, Arabic and Chinese have not been made compulsory under the proposed curriculum.

Instead, it said they would remain optional for interested pupils, depending on the availability of qualified teachers and learning materials 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.”

The Ministry noted that the proposed language policy is based on internationally recognised educational practices, which show that children learn more effectively when they begin schooling in a language they already understand before gradually transitioning to additional languages.

It said the policy also supports Ghana’s efforts to improve literacy, promote multilingualism and preserve the country’s linguistic and cultural heritage.

The Ministry therefore urged parents, teachers, school authorities, media organisations, and the public to ignore claims that foreign languages have been made compulsory in the revised curriculum.