Mandatory Mother Tongue Instruction in Schools

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Mandatory Mother Tongue Instruction in Schools

New Educational Policies and Initiatives in Ghana

The recent developments in Ghana's education sector have brought about significant changes aimed at improving teaching and learning outcomes across the country. One of the most notable directives is the compulsory use of mother tongue as a medium of instruction in all basic schools. This move, announced by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, marks a crucial step towards enhancing educational accessibility and effectiveness.

Compulsory Use of Mother Tongue in Basic Schools

Minister Iddrisu emphasized that the directive to use mother tongues in teaching is part of broader efforts to improve the quality of education. He highlighted that this approach would help students better understand and engage with their lessons, especially during the early stages of development.

During the official launch of the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disability initiative, the Minister shared a story about a young girl from the Ashanti Region who struggled to grasp English during her early education. The child reportedly asked her teacher to speak Twi, a local language, to aid her understanding. This anecdote underscored the importance of using familiar languages in teaching, which the President and the government have now mandated.

"The story is told of a young girl whose teacher somewhere in the Ashanti Region went in and was waxing English, teaching at those early stages of development. Then, the child told the teacher that, 'try to speak a little Twi, so that I can understand you.' So, Mr. President, in line with that and with your authority, I am directing the Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the GES that from today, teacher use of mother tongue instruction is now compulsory in all Ghanaian schools."

The Minister also stressed the need for strict enforcement of this directive, noting that it aligns with the President’s Reset Agenda, which emphasizes the importance of cultural identity and inclusive education.

Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disability

In addition to the mother tongue directive, the government has launched a new initiative to provide free tertiary education for persons with disabilities. This program is not only a fulfillment of a major campaign promise but also a demonstration of the President's commitment to inclusivity and compassion.

"President Mahama was not only fulfilling a major campaign promise, but demonstrating to Ghanaians once again that he was the compassionate President of Ghana and committed to touching the lives of vulnerable persons."

The initiative aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to higher education and are not seen as incapable but rather as capable members of society. The cost of this initiative is estimated at GHS31 million, with the GETFund committing GHS50 million every other year until 2028 to support disability-related interventions.

Expansion of Higher Education Opportunities

Another significant development is the establishment of a Science University in Damongo, funded by a $30 million grant from China. This grant, received during President Mahama's recent trip to China, will be used to start a Catholic Science University in the Savannah Region.

"President Mahama, he said recognises the role and the continuous role of the church in partnering the state in the provision of higher education."

In addition to the Science University, two more technical universities will be established in Jasikan and Techiman, further expanding access to quality education in different regions of the country.

Conclusion

These initiatives reflect the government's commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible education system. By focusing on mother tongue instruction, supporting persons with disabilities, and expanding higher education opportunities, Ghana is taking important steps toward achieving its educational goals. The continued collaboration between the government and various stakeholders, including religious institutions, will be vital in ensuring the success of these programs.

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