Compulsory Foreign Language to Be Introduced in Senior High Schools by End of 2025 – Education Minister

The Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that a compulsory foreign language course will be introduced for second-year Senior High School (SHS) students by the end of 2025.

This policy, championed by President John Dramani Mahama, seeks to equip students with essential linguistic skills to enhance their academic and professional prospects in an increasingly interconnected world.

This was disclosed on Thursday, April 24, during the official launch of the Free Sanitary Pads Programme, a government initiative to support adolescent girls in schools.

Iddrisu emphasized that the foreign language policy forms part of a broader educational reform strategy being spearheaded under President Mahama’s leadership.

Objectives of the Foreign Language Initiative

According to the Minister, the introduction of a compulsory foreign language course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to acquire proficiency in international languages, thereby expanding their communication abilities and access to global opportunities.

Under the new policy, learners will be able to select from a range of major international languages, including French, Spanish, German, and Chinese, among others, depending on their academic interests and future career aspirations.

“It is the vision of President Mahama that from Senior High School Two, every Ghanaian student will have the opportunity to choose one major foreign language—whether French, Spanish, German, Chinese, or any other compulsory language—to accompany their area of study. This will be introduced as part of the curriculum review to align our education system with global standards,” Minister Iddrisu stated.

Integration of STEM Education into Basic Schools

In addition to the foreign language initiative, Minister Iddrisu announced that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education would be systematically integrated into Ghana’s basic school curriculum.

This development seeks to nurture young learners’ interest in STEM fields and prepare them for future careers in science and technology.

The government’s plan involves the introduction of STEM kits and learning resources for students in Primary Four through Six to facilitate practical exposure to scientific and mathematical concepts.

Minister Iddrisu assured that the Ghana Education Trust Fund is actively working on securing the necessary educational materials to support this implementation.

“By the end of this year, President Mahama will be overseeing the promotion of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering education (STEM). Consequently, from Primary Four to Primary Six, STEM kits and instructional resources will be made available to ensure all learners at this level are exposed to scientific and mathematical knowledge. The Ghana Education Trust Fund is currently finalizing arrangements for the procurement and distribution of these essential learning tools,” the Minister explained.

Commitment to Educational Excellence

According to the Minister, these interventions are part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance the quality and relevance of education in Ghana.

“By incorporating international languages into the SHS curriculum and expanding STEM education at the basic level, authorities hope to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly globalized world,”

Education experts and stakeholders have expressed optimism about the initiative, noting that multilingual proficiency and STEM competency are essential elements in preparing students for competitive academic and professional environments.

With the planned policy implementation set for the end of 2025, educators and curriculum developers are expected to collaborate closely to ensure a smooth transition and effective integration of these reforms into the education system.