There's no policy to introduce Arabic, Chinese in all public schools — Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has denied claims that his government has approved a policy to introduce Arabic and Chinese language instruction in all public schools across Ghana.

He said no such policy had been approved by the Cabinet and urged the public to disregard reports suggesting otherwise.

President Mahama made the clarification on Saturday, September 12, during his Resetting Ghana tour of the Upper West Region.

“No such policy has been approved by the Cabinet that I chair. So let’s put that matter to rest once and for all," the President clarified.

The President questioned the rationale for introducing Chinese language instruction when Ghana was already struggling to provide enough teachers to effectively teach French, which he said was more relevant given the country’s location among French-speaking neighbours.

“But there’s no new policy to introduce Arabic and Chinese in all public schools in Ghana. I’m saying it for the last time for emphasis as President of Ghana. I chaired Cabinet. There’s been no approval of any curriculum that is introducing Arabic and English language in our public schools," said the President.

He said the teaching of Arabic in English-Arabic schools dates back to an initiative introduced during the administration of former President Jerry John Rawlings, aimed at encouraging Muslim communities to send their children to school.

The President's comments come amid public discussion over claims that Arabic and Chinese would soon become part of the curriculum in public schools across the country.