Education Minister orders mandatory use of mother tongue in schools as EduTechGhana examines its digital impact
A Renewed Directive, Not a New Policy
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu issued a clear directive to the Ghana Education Service (GES). He instructed the agency to enforce the compulsory use of mother-tongue instruction in all schools.
Speaking at the launch of the Free Tertiary Education Programme for Persons Living with Disabilities, he said:
“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.”
This directive is not a new policy. It is an old one being revived to improve literacy and learning at the basic level.
Why the Directive Matters
The language-in-education policy has existed since independence. It allows children to begin school in their mother tongue or the dominant local language. English is introduced gradually and becomes the main medium of instruction from Primary Four.
This approach helps children understand lessons better and connect classroom learning with their home experiences. The challenge has always been implementation. Now, the Ministry wants the GES to make it work in practice and this is where technology becomes essential.
How Digital Education Can Help
Technology can make this directive more practical and sustainable. It can help teachers, support learners, and create localized content for schools.
1. Teacher Support Tools
Many teachers struggle to teach subjects in local languages. Digital platforms can offer:
- Ready-made bilingual lesson plans
- Pronunciation and translation aids
- Short tutorials and resource hubs for local-language teaching
A teacher in Ho could download Ewe flashcards, while one in Kumasi could access Twi phonics videos.
2. Localized Learning Content
Most e-learning materials in Ghana are in English. To align with this directive, EdTech platforms can:
- Add Twi, Ewe, or Dagbani options for literacy lessons
- Use AI tools to translate classroom videos
- Create story apps and games in local languages
These changes can make learning more inclusive and relatable.
3. Cultural Relevance and Connection
Children learn faster when lessons reflect their world. Digital content with Ghanaian names, voices, and settings helps them connect emotionally. Animated stories or science games in Twi, Ga, or Dagbani can boost confidence and comprehension.
Challenges to Overcome
This directive faces real obstacles:
- Few digital materials in local languages
- Limited teacher digital skills
- Inconsistent language use in multilingual classrooms
- Poor access to devices in schools
The GES can partner with NaCCA, EdTech startups, and the Bureau of Ghana Languages to fix these issues. Together, they can design bilingual tools that support both teachers and learners.
What Ghana Can Learn from Others
Countries like China, Japan, and Finland teach complex subjects in their native languages. They succeeded because they modernized and digitized their languages for science and technology. Ghana can follow that path step by step.
Imagine learning math in Ewe, coding in Twi, or science in Dagbani with a single click to switch to English. That’s the next frontier of Ghana’s digital learning revolution.
Final Thought
The Education Minister’s directive is a wake-up call, not a new idea. It reminds us that effective learning begins when children understand the language of instruction.
Technology can make that possible. If we blend language, policy, and innovation, Ghana can finally build classrooms where every child learns with confidence in a language they truly understand.
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