Effective Implementation Of Language Policy Needed - ATGL

The Association of Teachers of Ghanaian Languages (ATGL) has expressed concern about the ineffectiveness of the current language policy on education.

This was contained in a resolution passed at their annual conference held at University of Education Winneba (UEW), Ajumako Campus, where representatives of the various Regions were elected to form the governing council of the Association.

The conference was under the theme: “Ghanaian Languages: Key to improvement in Ghana Education System”.

The resolution said due to the lack of commitment to the implementation of the current policy on the part of successive governments, the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service, has not helped the progress of the country’s education.

“We acknowledge the inadequacy of period for the study of Ghanaian languages at the Colleges of Education level and suggest that the period of Ghanaian language study be extended to two years”, it said.

The resolution said the Ministry of Education should also consider the reintroduction of Ghanaian language as a core subject at the senior high school level and make it compulsory at the basic school level (placing it in the category of Mathematics, Science, and English).

It said Ghanaian languages be made a key part for the requirement for admission into Colleges of Education and also issues concerning Ghanaian languages should be directed to the technocrats for advice.

Dr E. Avea Nsoh a Senior Lecturer of UEW, delivering the key note address at the conference, said beyond question, the goal of appropriate language polices for effective education is worth pursuing.

He said in Africa it is obvious that the current policies of over–reliance on exoglossic languages are failing individuals, their communities and their countries.

Professor Kofi Agyekum, Professor E. Torgah and Mr. Francis Kwao were the facilitators of the conference.