Use of Mother tongue policy limited to KG-Primary 3

The Ministry of Education has clarified that the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as a medium of instruction applies only from Kindergarten to Primary Three (Lower Primary), not across all basic school levels.

The clarification comes after Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu’s directive on the mandatory use of local languages in public schools sparked widespread public debate and misinterpretation about the policy’s scope.

Speaking at the launch of the Foundational Learning Action Tracker on Monday, October 27, Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Clement Apaak said the ministry deemed it necessary to address public concerns and provide clarity.

“The Honorable 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.

He stressed that the directive covers only Kindergarten and Lower Primary, contrary to claims that it affects all basic school levels.

“In other words, KG and Lower Primary. Having clarified what seems to have given a few persons sleepless nights, I bring you greetings,” the deputy minister added humorously.

The Ministry’s clarification aligns with Ghana’s long-standing language-in-education policy, which promotes the use of local languages in early childhood education to improve literacy and learning outcomes.

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