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

The Ministry of Education has dismissed claims that foreign languages such as French, Arabic and Chinese have been introduced as compulsory subjects under the proposed revised curriculum for basic schools.

In a statement issued on August 2 and signed by the Ministry’s Press Secretary, Hashmin Mohammed, the Ministry said recent public discussions on the policy had created misconceptions about the proposed language of instruction framework.

The Ministry explained that Ghanaian languages would remain the foundation of early childhood education, with the revised curriculum maintaining their use as the main medium of instruction from kindergarten to Primary Three.

According to the Ministry, the approach is aimed at improving foundational literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and cognitive development by allowing pupils to learn in languages they are most familiar with during their early years.

It further stated that from Primary Four to Primary Six, both Ghanaian languages and English will be used as mediums of instruction to support a gradual transition to higher levels of education, where English becomes more dominant.

The Ministry said the bilingual approach would help pupils develop proficiency in English while preserving their ability to communicate effectively in Ghanaian languages.

It also clarified that foreign languages, including French, Arabic and Chinese, would not be compulsory under the proposed curriculum but would instead be offered as optional subjects for pupils interested in acquiring additional language skills.

“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,” the statement said.

“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,” it added.

The Ministry urged the public to rely on official information regarding the proposed curriculum reforms and avoid interpretations that could misrepresent the policy objectives.

Below is the full statement.
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.