FoHSSE-UCC Lecture: “Language policy is a national cultural resolve, mindset and agenda for self-preservation” — Prof. Yaw Sekyi-Baidoo

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Education (FoHSSE) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has organised a public lecture to examine the use of Ghanaian languages in classrooms amid ongoing national discussions on language policy in education.

The lecture, themed “Language Use in Ghanaian Classrooms: Ideals and Realities,” was delivered by former Dean of the Faculty of Languages at the University of Education, Winneba, Prof. Yaw Sekyi-Baidoo.

Opening the event, the Dean of FoHSSE, Prof. Eric Mensah, said the lecture was prompted by the Ministry of Education’s recent directive requiring basic schools to use Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction from kindergarten to Primary Three. He described language as more than a communication tool, noting that it plays a vital role in knowledge transmission, cultural identity, critical thinking, and learners’ academic success.

Prof. Mensah explained that while Ghana’s language policy promotes the use of learners’ mother tongue in the early years of education, classroom realities often differ. He said the lecture provided an opportunity for scholars and educators to reflect on the gap between policy and practice and explore practical ways to improve teaching and learning outcomes.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Prof. Sekyi-Baidoo welcomed the Ministry’s directive, describing it as an important step towards preserving Ghanaian languages and strengthening national identity. He argued that language policy represents a national commitment to cultural preservation and should not be viewed as merely an educational directive.

He noted that using learners’ first language in the classroom would improve understanding, particularly for pupils who struggle with English during their early years of schooling, while helping them gradually build proficiency in the English language.

Prof. Sekyi-Baidoo urged stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the policy and called for traditional leaders to play a leading role in promoting Ghanaian languages, arguing that chiefs are better positioned to unite communities around cultural and linguistic preservation.

Chairing the lecture, the Dean of the School of Educational Development and Outreach (SEDO), Prof. Christine Adu-Yeboah, described the discussion as timely and said the Ministry’s directive would help establish a stronger educational foundation for pupils at the basic level.