Category: Education Policy
Introduction of Mother-Tongue Instruction in Ghana
The government of Ghana has implemented a new policy requiring the use of local languages as the primary medium of instruction at the basic school level. This change was announced by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu on Fri, Oct 24, 2023. The policy aims to enhance learning outcomes and reinforce Ghana’s cultural heritage.
Policy Objectives
The policy mandates the compulsory use of mother-tongue instruction in all Ghanaian schools, challenging the longstanding dominance of English in the education system. Research from UNESCO and the World Bank supports the effectiveness of mother-tongue instruction in improving early childhood education.
The initiative also seeks to culturally empower students by aligning educational practices with Ghanaian identity, moving away from colonial language influences.
Implementation Challenges
Ghana’s linguistic diversity presents challenges in implementing this policy. The country recognizes over 70 languages, with 11 officially approved for educational purposes. Urban areas like Accra and Kumasi are particularly diverse, complicating the selection of a single dominant local language for instruction.
Resource availability is another significant hurdle. Most educational materials are currently written in English, and translating these into multiple local languages will require substantial effort and investment in teacher training and material development.
Historical Context
This is not Ghana’s first attempt at implementing such a policy. A similar initiative in the early 2000s was discontinued due to inadequate support and implementation challenges. Concerns about the potential impact on English proficiency persist among parents and educators.
Broader African Context
Ghana’s policy is part of a larger debate across Africa regarding the role of mother-tongue education. While countries like Tanzania and Ethiopia have adopted similar policies with varying success, others face challenges due to linguistic diversity. The debate continues over the balance between preserving cultural identity and maintaining global competitiveness.
Conclusion
The success of Ghana’s language policy hinges on effective teacher training, the availability of educational materials, and sustained political commitment. If successful, Ghana could serve as a model for educational reform across Africa, promoting culturally relevant education systems without compromising global relevance.
