Rare footage from 1954 has offered a glimpse into how English was taught in the Gold Coast, years before the country gained independence.
The footage shared on the X page by Ghana Facts and History on August 11, 2026, shows a male teacher teaching adults how to speak, read and write English.
“I will speak English,” the teacher says as he introduces the lesson.
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He explains that the method was designed as a quick way of helping new literates in the vernacular acquire basic English language skills.
The teacher then introduces the books used in the lessons.
According to him, two books were used to help learners expand their English vocabulary while also teaching them how to write simple English.
“This is my class,” he says as he introduces the learners taking part in the demonstration.
He then begins the lesson by instructing the class to turn to the first page of their primer, where the words “me” and “you” appear on the first line.
“I am now going to start my lesson,” he says before proceeding with the teaching demonstration.
The 1954 footage provides a rare look at adult education in the Gold Coast and the methods used at the time to introduce English language skills to local communities.
See the video below:
Rare Footage: How English Was Taught in the Gold Coast, 1954 🇬🇭 | Part 1
— GHANA FACTS & HISTORY (@GhanaianMuseum) August 11, 2026
Adults were taught spoken English through simple words, repetition and everyday demonstrations. pic.twitter.com/KzGgCetoXN
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