The Ministry of Education has clarified that the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction applies only to Kindergarten through Primary Three, not all basic school levels.
Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak made this clarification on Monday, October 27, 2025, during the launch of the Foundational Learning Action Tracker. This follows intense public debate and concern after Minister Haruna Iddrisu first announced the directive.
Dr. Apaak stated that the minister had personally tasked him to clearly outline the policy’s scope to address public misunderstanding.
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“The Honourable 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,” he said.
He reiterated the point for emphasis, adding:
“In other words, KG and Lower Primary. Having clarified what seems to have given a few persons sleepless nights, I bring you greetings.”
This means that while children in the early years of schooling will be taught in their local languages, instruction will transition to English from Primary Four upward.
Education analysts have generally welcomed the policy as a strong step toward improving literacy and comprehension at the foundational level. However, experts warn that success will depend heavily on teacher training, teaching materials, and consistent government support.
