Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu has underscored the importance of foundational literacy and discipline in Ghana’s education system, emphasizing that children must first build a strong grasp of their native language before fully transitioning to English.
“That child was not born an English child. A child comes to school already socialized in their native language, and this will help them acquire English as a second and formal language.
However, we will limit it to Grade Three,” he stated.
He stressed that the early stages of education are crucial to shaping a child’s literacy and numeracy skills.
“Even after Grade Three, if a child cannot read and write, then there is something wrong with our educational system.
“Every Ghanaian child up to Basic Three should have a good foundation in literacy and numeracy,” he noted.
On student discipline, Haruna Iddrisu reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining order and uniformity in schools, insisting that rules must be respected.
“For the purpose of discipline, uniformity, and character formation, students must adhere to school rules. After a certain age, they can wear what they like, but not at the basic or secondary level,” he emphasized.
He further appealed to parents to support the Ghana Education Service (GES) in enforcing these regulations, warning against leniency that could erode school discipline.
“I demand cooperation and support from parents for the GES to strictly and religiously enforce these rules.
2If we give in to hairstyles today, tomorrow it will be shoes, and the next day, something else. We have to enforce the rules,” he stressed.
