Ghana’s education landscape is set for a significant transformation as the government announces a bold step towards multilingualism for Senior High School students. The new policy, unveiled by the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, introduces the compulsory study of a foreign language for SHS 2 students across the country, aligning with President John Dramani Mahama’s broader education vision.
The announcement was made during the launch of the free sanitary pad programme held in Accra on Thursday, where Mr Iddrisu highlighted the importance of preparing Ghanaian youth for a globally competitive future. He stated that this initiative is part of ongoing efforts to review and modernise the national curriculum, ensuring students acquire skills and knowledge relevant in today’s interconnected world.
According to the Minister, students entering their second year of senior high school will be required to select one foreign language from a carefully curated list, including French, Spanish, German, and Chinese. This policy is expected to give learners the edge they need in an increasingly multilingual job market and strengthen Ghana’s ties with international partners.
“It is also the vision of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama that from Senior High School 2, every Ghanaian student will have an option to choose between one major foreign language,” Mr Iddrisu said, expressing confidence that the reform will enrich students' academic journeys while expanding their career prospects both at home and abroad.
He went further to explain that the selected language would be studied alongside existing subjects and would become an integral part of each student’s academic development. The inclusion of foreign languages, he explained, is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a strategic move to ensure Ghana’s future workforce is linguistically diverse and culturally aware.
Mr Iddrisu added that the policy will be implemented as part of the next phase of curriculum reforms, reinforcing the government’s commitment to modern, inclusive, and forward-thinking education. He also noted that this reform aligns with international standards, as many countries already encourage multilingualism from early stages of education.
The proposal has been met with widespread interest among educators, parents, and students alike, many of whom see the move as a step in the right direction. As global opportunities become more accessible, the ability to communicate in multiple languages is increasingly seen as a crucial asset. By encouraging students to explore new languages and cultures, Ghana positions itself as a country investing in a future-ready generation.
The announcement came during a significant public health initiative, further showcasing the government’s integrated approach to development—where education, health, and empowerment go hand in hand. As the reforms take shape, stakeholders across the education sector are expected to engage in consultations and planning to ensure the successful rollout of the new foreign language curriculum.
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