The Ministry of Education in Ghana has recently clarified an important aspect of its mother tongue policy, stating that the use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction is limited to Kindergarten up to Primary 3, also known as lower primary. This announcement comes in response to a directive issued by Sector Minister Haruna Iddrisu, which aimed to bolster the use of local languages in schools. However, it has ignited widespread debate among educators and parents alike.
During the launch of the Foundational Learning Action Tracker on October 27, Deputy Education Minister Clement Apaak emphasized the distinction regarding the implementation of the mother tongue policy. He stated, “the policy directive he announced on Friday is confined to KG up to Primary 3.” This indicates that beyond Primary 3, students will transition to other mediums of instruction, potentially affecting their learning experience.
In light of these developments, Dr. Joyce Tawiah-Mensah, a senior lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, has urged the government to show strong political commitment toward the effective execution of the mother tongue instruction initiative. On a recent episode of the Citi Breakfast Show, she praised the effort yet stressed that success hinges on adequate resources, teacher training, and instructional materials. As the discussion continues, it is clear that parental and educator involvement will be crucial in navigating the implications of this policy.