The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that the use of mother tongue as a medium of instruction has been made compulsory in all Ghanaian schools, effective immediately.
Speaking at the launch of the Free Tertiary Education Programme for Persons with Disability at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Friday, October 24, 2025, the Minister said the directive was in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s education reform and research agenda, which seeks to improve foundational learning outcomes across the country.
He said he had directed the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to ensure the strict enforcement of the policy in all schools nationwide.
“From today, teacher use of mother tongue instruction is now compulsory in all Ghanaian schools,” the Minister declared. “The GES is to ensure strict enforcement of this.”
Mr. Iddrisu illustrated the importance of the directive with a story about a young girl in the Ashanti Region who struggled to understand her teacher’s English lessons until she pleaded with him to speak in her native Twi.
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“That child, that Ghanaian child, was not born into an English family, but a proud Ashanti Akan family, and deserves to learn,” he said.
According to the Minister, the decision reflects the government’s commitment to promoting inclusive and culturally relevant education, ensuring that every child in Ghana learns in a language they understand best, particularly in their formative years.
He emphasized that the use of mother tongue in early education enhances comprehension, improves academic performance, and preserves Ghana’s linguistic and cultural identity.
The announcement formed part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen foundational education and make learning more effective, equitable, and locally grounded under President Mahama’s education policy agenda.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
