No Ban on English in Basic Schools – Education Ministry Clarifies Mother Tongue Policy
The Ministry of Education has dismissed rumors of dropping English as the language of instruction in basic schools, clarifying that a directive to use mother tongue from Kindergarten to Primary 3 complements rather than replaces English teaching.
In a statement issued Thursday by Deputy Minister Dr. Clement Apaak, the Ministry emphasized the policy’s roots in post-independence education reforms, aimed at building strong literacy foundations.
“Teaching children in a language they understand, alongside English, strengthens learning outcomes across all subjects,” Apaak noted, warning that unfamiliar languages hinder academic performance.
The initiative will leverage successful models like Complementary Basic Education, engaging communities in Ghana’s 12 official languages. By Basic Year 3, pupils will be proficient in their home language, easing transition to English and others.
International examples from China, Finland, Japan, and Malaysia support improved outcomes and cultural appreciation.
“No learner will be left behind; English and international languages continue,” the statement assured, positioning the approach to nurture global citizens
