The Ministry of Education has clarified the government’s language of instruction policy for basic schools following public debate and misconceptions about the role of Ghanaian and foreign languages in the revised curriculum.

In a statement issued by Hashmin Mohammed, Press Secretary to the Minister, on August 2, 2026, the Ministry said Ghanaian languages will serve as 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," the statement said.

The release further explained that the approach is aimed at improving foundational literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and overall cognitive development by allowing children to learn in a language they understand best during their early years.

"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.

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The Ministry also clarified that foreign languages such as French, Arabic, and Chinese will not be compulsory subjects.

It said they will instead be offered as optional courses for pupils who wish to acquire additional language skills, subject to the availability of qualified teachers and resources in their schools.

The statement stressed that the 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.

The Ministry said the policy also aligns with Ghana’s commitment to improving literacy outcomes, promoting multilingualism, and preserving the country’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.

"The Ministry remains committed to implementing evidence-based education policies that improve learning outcomes and equip every Ghanaian child with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world," the statement concluded.

See statement below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION CLARIFIES LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION POLICY FOR BASIC SCHOOLS

1. The Ministry of Education wishes to clarify the Government’s language of instruction policy for basic schools following public discussions and misconceptions regarding the use of Ghanaian and foreign languages in the country’s education system.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. The Ministry urges parents, teachers, school authorities, media organisations, and the general public to disregard misinformation suggesting that foreign languages have been made compulsory in the proposed revised curriculum.

7. The Ministry remains committed to implementing evidence-based education policies that improve learning outcomes and equip every Ghanaian child with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Signed;

Hashmin Mohammed

Press Secretary to the Hon. Minister



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