Ministry of Education clarifies: English remains language of instruction in basic schools

The Ministry of Education has refuted claims that English has been dropped as the language of instruction in basic schools across the country. According to the Ministry, English remains an essential part of Ghana’s education system, and there are no plans to cancel or replace its use in teaching and learning.

In a statement signed by the Deputy Minister for Education, Hon. Dr. Clement Apaak, the Ministry explained that the policy on using children’s home languages alongside English is not new. It has been part of Ghana’s educational framework since independence, although its implementation over the years has not been fully effective.

Dr. Apaak emphasized that the government’s current effort is aimed at revitalizing this long-standing policy to improve learning outcomes in early childhood education. He stated that global research strongly supports the use of a child’s first language in the early stages of learning, alongside English, as it helps build stronger literacy and comprehension skills.

“Teaching children in a language they understand, alongside English, strengthens their performance across all subjects in school,” the statement noted. “On the contrary, teaching in a language a child does not understand creates major barriers to literacy acquisition.”

The Ministry said the revised approach will focus on effective teaching from Kindergarten to Basic 3, drawing lessons from successful local initiatives such as the Complementary Basic Education (CBE) programme, which engages communities and uses local languages to improve early grade learning.

According to Dr. Apaak, the goal is to ensure that by the time Ghanaian children complete Basic 3, they are well-grounded in their home or playground languages, providing a strong foundation for learning English and other international languages later in their education.

He cited examples from countries like China, Finland, Japan, and Malaysia, where proficiency in the home language has been shown to support learning other languages effectively. Additionally, the policy seeks to promote national identity and cultural appreciation among young learners.

“The Ministry of Education is keen to ensure that no learner is left behind in receiving the quality education they deserve. It is their right,” Dr. Apaak affirmed. “We are nurturing individuals into responsible national adults and global citizens.”

In conclusion, the Ministry reassured the public that English and other international languages remain integral to Ghana’s education system. The initiative to strengthen local language instruction is meant to complement — not replace — English as a medium of instruction.