Ghanaian educationist Daniel Fenyi has commended the introduction of foreign language education in Senior High Schools (SHS) across Ghana, describing it as a timely initiative that will position students to thrive in a globalized world.
Speaking to Univers News on April 30, he emphasized the growing relevance of languages such as French, Chinese, Spanish, and German, stating that proficiency in multiple international languages significantly boosts students’ chances in the global job market.
“In today’s interconnected world, knowing just one international language is no longer enough. To stay competitive and access international opportunities, students must learn additional languages.”
Mr. Fenyi also pointed out that the government’s approach to using local languages as a medium of instruction at the early stages of education preserves cultural heritage while simultaneously building global competencies through foreign language learning at the SHS level.
“This policy looks to the future; our students are becoming multilingual and versatile—attributes that give them an edge in the global market.”
According to the educationist, multilingualism is expanding employment prospects for Ghanaian graduates, both at home and abroad. He, however, stressed the importance of equipping teachers for the successful rollout of the foreign language curriculum.
“A graduate fluent in English, a local language, and Chinese, for example, can easily find work in Ghana or China. We need strong support systems, including adequate textbooks, digital tools, and trained personnel. A well-structured language curriculum and appropriate teaching materials must be developed as soon as possible.”
Mr. Fenyi also advocated for the appointment of district and regional language coordinators to provide oversight and support for teachers, ensuring the smooth implementation of the initiative.
“Being multilingual comes with no disadvantages. This is a policy that deserves full support, and we must act swiftly by training and deploying qualified language teachers across SHSs.”
The foreign language policy is expected to significantly enhance the academic and professional prospects of Ghanaian students, equipping them with critical skills for the international stage.
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Story by: Linda Achiaa Gyasi | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by: Wahab Abdul Razak
