Mandate GA and Dangme Languages in Schools - GA Traditional Council

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Ga Traditional Council Calls for Mandatory Teaching of Ga and Dangme Languages in Basic Schools

The Ga Traditional Council has urged the Ministry of Education to make the teaching of Ga and Dangme languages a mandatory subject in basic schools across the Greater Accra Region. This initiative aims to preserve and promote the linguistic and cultural identity of the indigenous people of the capital city.

The call was made during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, to the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, and members of the Council at the Ga Mantse Palace in Accra on Monday. The visit served a dual purpose: to formally invite the Ga Mantse to an upcoming Indigenous Language Conference scheduled for March in Accra and to reaffirm the government’s commitment to protecting and promoting the Ga language.

Mr Iddrisu, accompanied by key officials from the ministry, announced that the Google Gemini Artificial Intelligence tool focused on Ghanaian languages would be expanded to include all 12 designated national languages. These languages include Mfantse, Twi, Ewe, Dagbani, Nzema, Hausa, Dagaare, Ga, and Dangme. He emphasized the government's dedication to promoting multilingualism and highlighted the importance of the Ga language as a vital part of Ghana's cultural heritage.

Welcoming the minister and his delegation, the Ga Mantse, through Nii Otublohum III, Kyidom of the Ga State, expressed concerns about the growing public debate on language policy, particularly among the Ga-Dangme people. He noted that such engagement is essential to articulate the views of the indigenous communities. The Council presented an eight-point position paper to the minister, which included a request for Ga and Dangme to be recognized as core subjects in the basic school curriculum throughout the Greater Accra Region.

The Council welcomed the ministry's proposal to integrate 12 Ghanaian languages into a planned artificial intelligence language pilot programme and urged that Ga be fully incorporated into this initiative. They also called for a clear government policy commitment to protect, develop, and promote the Ga language as a national cultural asset. This includes structured programs for its preservation, digitization, and modernization.

Another pressing concern raised by the Council was the posting of trained Ga and Dangme language teachers, particularly graduates from the University of Education, Winneba. These professionals are often posted outside the Greater Accra Region despite the high demand for their services within the capital. The Council therefore appealed for such graduates to be assigned to schools within the region.

Additionally, the Council proposed the development and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education and the Ga State. This agreement would establish a long-term framework for the teaching, promotion, and technological development of the Ga and Dangme languages. They also called for regular consultations between the ministry, the Ga State, and other stakeholders to monitor progress and address emerging challenges.

The Council indicated that a formal press communiqué would be submitted to the ministry following the meeting. As a gesture of support, the minister personally donated GH¢100,000 to the Ga Mantse Educational Fund. This move underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to support educational initiatives that reflect and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Ghana.