The Education Ministry has clarified a statement made by the sector Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, regarding the use of Ghanaian languages as a medium of instruction in schools.
The Ministry says that the directive applies only to teaching from Kindergarten to Primary Three (Lower Primary), and not throughout all basic schools.
Deputy Education Minister, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, speaking at the launch of the Foundational Learning Action Tracker on Monday, October 27, 2025, stated that the Minister’s previous statement, which has sparked debate, requires clarification to resolve the ongoing discussions.
“The Honorable Minister for Education has asked me to clarify that the policy directive he announced on Friday regarding the compulsory use of mother tongue as a medium of instruction in our public basic schools is confined, emphasis, confined to KG up to Primary 3.
“In other words, KG and Lower Primary. Having clarified what seems to have given a few persons sleepless nights, I bring you greetings,” Dr. Apaak said.
Background
The Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to strictly enforce the use of mother tongue instruction in all Ghanaian schools.
According to the Minister, this directive formed part of efforts to reform the education sector, while promoting the use of local languages in teaching and learning.
Speaking at the launch of the Free Tertiary Education Programme for Persons Living with Disabilities, Mr. Iddrisu stressed that the initiative sought to encourage the use of local languages as a medium of instruction, particularly at the basic education level, to enhance comprehension and learning outcomes.
“I am directing the DG of the GES and the GES that from today, teacher use of mother tongue instruction is now compulsory in all Ghanaian schools.
“The GES is to ensure strict enforcement of this…This is part of President Mahama’s reset agenda,” he said.
The statement, has since generated debate, which the Deputy Minister has clarified.
