MoE denies ban on English language for instruction in schools

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has denied a viral social media claim that the English Language has been dropped as the language of instruction in government basic schools across the country.

In a statement, the Education Ministry explained that the Ghanaian or local language has been introduced alongside the use of the English language for teaching in public schools nationwide.

It emphasised that the policy of using children’s home languages alongside English is long-standing, dating back to independence, but has not been fully implemented.

“The policy on the use of children’s home languages with additional languages, English, carefully introduced alongside, is not new. The policy has been in existence since independence, but implementation of it has not been effective and was stalled,” the Education Ministry stated.

It added, “Our education system needs to equip learners with the foundational skills they need to navigate our increasingly complex and uncertain world. All learners need to develop the skills they need to thrive and be ready for the world of work, further studies and responsible adulthood.”

The Ministry in Charge of Education explained that teaching children in a language they understand, alongside English, strengthens learning outcomes across all subjects.

“There is very strong global evidence that teaching children in a language they understand, alongside English, strengthens their performance across all subjects in school.

Teaching in a language the child does not understand or speak well creates major barriers to literacy acquisition,” MoE noted.

It also noted that using a language a child does not understand can create significant barriers to literacy and overall academic performance.

To improve learning outcomes from Kindergarten to Basic Year 3, the Ministry plans to revisit the policy and draw upon successful local programmes such as Complementary Basic Education, which engage communities and extend early-grade teaching across Ghana’s 12 official languages.

The policy aims to ensure that by the end of Basic Year 3, children are proficient in their home or playground language, providing a strong foundation for learning English and other languages as they progress in school.

“The policy when enacted through consultation is to ensure that Ghanaian children by the time they complete Basic Year 3, are well grounded in their playground or home language as a foundation for learning other languages as they progress through their education,” the Ministry added.

It emphasised that evidence has shown the practice in countries such as China, Finland, Japan and Malaysia, proficiency in a home language or playground language is key to learning other languages effectively.

“It also helps in developing in young learners national identity and appreciation of cultural values. 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. We respect their right. At the end, we are nurturing individuals into responsible national adults and global citizens,” it concluded in the statement.