The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that the use of mother tongue as medium a of instruction is now compulsory in all basic schools across Ghana.
Speaking at the launch of the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities in Accra on Friday, October 24, 2025, Mr. Iddrisu stated that the new policy takes immediate effect under the supervision of the Ghana Education Service (GES).
He explained that the initiative is designed to improve learning outcomes and help children understand lessons more easily by being taught in languages they already speak at home.
“A child learns best in a language that is familiar,” the Minister said. “It is unfair for Ghanaian children to start school entirely in English when most come from homes where local languages are spoken. The story is told of a young girl who struggled to follow lessons because her teacher taught only in English. Every Ghanaian child deserves to learn in a language they understand.”
Mr. Iddrisu stressed that the GES will strictly enforce the policy to ensure teachers at the basic level use the appropriate Ghanaian language of instruction in their respective regions.
He also noted that the decision forms part of President John Dramani Mahama’s broader plan to promote inclusive and quality education across the country.
“President Mahama is committed to making education accessible and meaningful for every Ghanaian child, regardless of background or ability,” he added.
