By: Baba Mohammed Issahaq/
The Minister of Education, Hon Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to strictly enforce the use of mother tongue instruction in all schools across the country.
The directive, he says, is part of the government’s ongoing reforms to strengthen foundational learning and promote the use of local languages in classrooms.
Speaking at the launch of the Free Tertiary Education Programme for Persons Living with Disabilities in Accra, Hon Haruna Iddrisu explained that teaching in local languages helps pupils understand lessons better and improves their performance at the basic education level.
“I am directing the Director-General of the GES that from today, teacher use of mother tongue instruction is now compulsory in all Ghanaian schools. The GES is responsible for ensuring strict enforcement of this. This is part of President Mahama’s reset agenda,” the Minister stated.
The Education Minister emphasised that the use of local languages is not only vital for learning outcomes but also key to preserving Ghana’s cultural identity.
He called on teachers, headteachers, and education officers to comply fully with the directive, adding that the Ministry will work closely with the GES to monitor implementation.
Hon Haruna also urged teacher training institutions to prioritise language education so that teachers are better equipped to deliver lessons in local dialects.
Education experts have welcomed the move, describing it as a practical step towards improving literacy and inclusiveness in Ghana’s education system.
The Ministry of Education says the directive aligns with the government’s broader goal of building a more inclusive, culturally relevant, and effective learning environment for all Ghanaian children.
