French, Arabic, Chinese Not Compulsory Under Basic School Language Policy Education Ministry Clarifies
The Ministry of Education has moved to correct public misconceptions surrounding its proposed language of instruction policy for basic schools, dismissing claims that foreign languages such as French, Arabic and Chinese have been made compulsory under the revised curriculum.
What The Policy Actually Says
In a statement issued on August 2 by the ministry's press secretary, Hashmin Mohammed, the ministry explained that Ghanaian languages will remain the primary medium of instruction from Kindergarten through Primary Three, a design intended to strengthen children's foundational literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and cognitive development by allowing them to learn first in a language they understand best.
From Primary Four to Primary Six, instruction shifts to a bilingual approach, combining Ghanaian languages and English. The ministry said this is meant to ease pupils into higher levels of education, where English takes on a greater role, while still preserving their competence in indigenous languages.
Foreign Languages Remain Optional
Crucially, the ministry clarified that French, Arabic, Chinese and other foreign languages are not compulsory subjects under the proposed curriculum. They will instead 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 individual schools.
Rationale And Alignment
The ministry said the language policy is grounded in internationally accepted educational practice, which holds that children learn best when they start their education in a familiar language before gradually transitioning to additional ones. It also framed the approach as consistent with Ghana's broader commitment to improving literacy outcomes, promoting multilingualism, and preserving the country's linguistic and cultural heritage.
The ministry urged parents, teachers, school authorities, media organizations and the general public to disregard misinformation suggesting foreign languages had been made compulsory, and reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based education policy aimed at equipping Ghanaian children to thrive in an interconnected world.
Mustapha Bature Sallama.
Medical/ Science Communicator,
Private Investigator, Criminal investigation and Intelligence Analysis.
International Conflict Management and Peace Building.USIP
mustysallama@gmail.com
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References
Citi Newsroom, "French, Arabic, Chinese not compulsory under basic school language policy – Education Ministry," August 2, 2026, https://www.citinewsroom.com/2026/08/french-arabic-chinese-not-compulsory-under-basic-school-language-policy-education-ministry/
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