A new language policy requiring local dialects in classrooms has sparked nationwide debate after officials clarified it applies only to early primary education.

• Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu announced that teaching in local languages supports national literacy goals.

• He instructed the GES to enforce the policy nationwide, prompting public discussion.

• Deputy Minister Clement Apaak later clarified that the rule applies only to Kindergarten through Primary Three.

• The clarification aimed to prevent confusion and ensure smooth implementation of the policy.

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After the Education Minister declared that teaching in local languages would be mandatory across all basic schools, public discussions quickly erupted.

Deputy Education Minister Clement Abas Apaak later clarified that the policy only covers Kindergarten and Lower Primary, not the entire basic education level.

His explanation came in response to widespread reactions following his superior’s announcement on Friday, October 24, about making local language instruction a requirement in Ghanaian schools.

At the launch of the Free Tertiary Education Programme for Persons with Disabilities on October 24, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu explained that the decision supports President John Dramani Mahama’s education reforms focused on improving early literacy and learning across Ghana.

He instructed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to enforce the policy nationwide, which quickly stirred mixed reactions and varying interpretations.

However, during the unveiling of the Foundational Learning Action Tracker at Accra College of Education on Monday, October 27, Deputy Minister Clement Apaak clarified that the directive covers only Kindergarten to Primary Three, not all basic school levels as some reports suggested.

Dr. Apaak emphasized that this clarification was necessary to ensure the policy is properly carried out and to avoid confusion that might affect teaching and learning in higher grades.

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