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Mother Tongue Directive Policy Limited to Kindergarten and Lower Primary- Education Ministry Clarifies
The Ministry of Education has clarified that the new directive on the use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction in schools applies strictly to kindergarten through primary three (lower primary) — and not the entire basic education level as earlier perceived.
The clarification follows widespread public debate and media discussions after Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu announced that Ghanaian languages would be made compulsory in public basic schools.
Speaking at the launch of the Foundational Learning Action Tracker on Monday, October 27, Deputy Education Minister Clement Apaak said the ministry found it necessary to clear any misunderstanding surrounding the policy.
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“The Honourable Minister for Education has asked me to clarify that the policy directive he announced on Friday regarding the compulsory use of mother tongue as a medium of instruction in our public basic schools is confined—emphasis, confined—to KG up to Primary 3.”
Dr Apaak explained.
“In other words, KG and Lower Primary. Having clarified what seems to have given a few persons sleepless nights, I bring you greetings,” he added humorously.
The Deputy Minister’s statement aims to reaffirm that the directive aligns with Ghana’s long-standing language-in-education policy, which promotes the use of local languages at the foundational stage of learning to strengthen literacy and comprehension.
While the clarification has calmed portions of the public debate, education experts say effective implementation will require serious investment and consistent government support.
A senior lecturer at the University of Cape Coast’s Department of Basic Education, Dr Joyce Tawiah-Mensah, welcomed the initiative but cautioned that success would hinge on the government’s political will and logistical preparedness.
“It’s something that we can do, but we need political commitment in terms of teacher training, materials, and others,” Dr Tawiah-Mensah noted in an interview on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show.
She stressed that mother tongue instruction, when done right, enhances comprehension, builds confidence among pupils, and bridges the gap between home and school learning environments.
On Friday, October 24, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to ensure the use of Ghanaian languages as the main medium of instruction in basic schools, sparking both praise and criticism.
Some stakeholders commended the move as a culturally enriching and pedagogically sound step, while others expressed concerns about practicality, citing inadequate teaching materials and teacher preparedness.
The ministry’s clarification now narrows the scope of implementation to the early learning years — a phase many experts agree is most critical for language and cognitive development.
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