St Sark opposes reported plans to introduce Chinese, Arabic in basic schools

The Founder and Leader of Open Arms Ministry, St Sark, has cautioned President John Dramani Mahama and Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu against reported plans to introduce Chinese and Arabic languages into Ghana’s basic school curriculum.

Addressing a press conference in Kumasi, the outspoken clergyman described the proposed curriculum change as potentially detrimental to the educational, cultural and cognitive development of Ghanaian children.

“Dare not, stop the introduction of Chinese and Arabic languages into our basic school syllabus,” St Sark warned, urging the government to reconsider any plans to implement the policy.

He argued that Ghanaian pupils already study a large number of subjects, and adding two foreign languages could place an additional burden on young learners.

According to him, the proposed languages would offer limited immediate benefits to Ghanaian children and could divert attention from subjects he considers more critical to their development.

St Sark further alleged that the policy could create opportunities for foreign nationals to secure teaching jobs in Ghana while encouraging Ghanaian students to seek employment in China and Arab countries after acquiring the languages.

“They want to use this strategy to siphon our workforce to their countries, which will negatively impact Ghana’s economy. The idea is very bad and useless. Stop it,” he said.

He suggested that if the Ministry of Education intends to expand foreign-language instruction beyond English and French, Spanish should instead be considered.

He argued that Spanish has significant relevance in international trade, diplomacy and global mobility.

“If there is any foreign language we should even consider teaching our children, it should rather be Spanish,” he said.

St Sark also expressed concern about the cultural and ideological dimensions of language, arguing that young learners should first develop a strong foundation in Ghanaian languages and national values.

He cautioned against introducing what he described as complex foreign languages at the basic education level when Ghana is already facing challenges with proficiency in English and local languages.

“Language is a carrier of culture and belief systems. Instead of burdening our children with complex foreign languages that offer little immediate practical benefit to the average Ghanaian child, the government should focus on strengthening Ghanaian languages, English, science, technology and vocational training,” he said.

He therefore appealed to President Mahama and the Education Minister to suspend any such policy and consult key stakeholders, including religious leaders, educationists, parents and traditional authorities, before introducing major changes to the curriculum.

He said Ghana’s language policy should prioritise the global competitiveness of young people while preserving the country’s cultural identity and serving the national interest.