Ghana’s education system is set for a major shift as government plans to make the study of a foreign language compulsory for all Senior High School (SHS) Form Two students.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu made this known at the launch of the free sanitary pad programme in Accra on Thursday, April 24, describing it as a key element of President John Dramani Mahama’s broader education agenda.
“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.
The policy will offer languages such as French, Spanish, German, and Chinese, among others, with students required to select one as a compulsory addition to their academic programme.
According to the Minister, the new language requirement will be rolled out as part of upcoming curriculum changes.
“French, Spanish, German, Chinese or any other – one compulsory language to accompany your area of study. That will also be introduced as part of our review of curricula,” he added.
Some Ghanaians are concerned about the number of skilled teachers to tutor students.
“Do we have teachers to all this languages?” an X user quizzed.
SHS 2 students will have the option to choose one major foreign language; French, Spanish, German and Chinese or any other compulsory language… – Haruna Iddrisu (Education Minister) #GHOneNews #EIBNetwork #GHOneTV #NewsAlert pic.twitter.com/mxFcU0KDu7
— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) April 24, 2025
