the office of the national chief imam has backed the introduction of arabic as an optional subject in public schools: The Office of the National Chief Imam has expressed support for the initiative to introduce Arabic as an optional subject in public schools.
According to Ghana News Agency, the policy is seen as a means to provide students with valuable linguistic skills that are crucial for global engagement. The statement from the Office of the National Chief Imam highlighted the importance of addressing concerns about the teaching of Arabic through constructive dialogue, emphasizing that Arabic is a global language used in diplomacy, science, and commerce, rather than being solely a religious identity or practice.
The statement was issued following an announcement by Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, regarding the introduction of Arabic and Chinese as optional subjects in public schools. While some stakeholders have expressed concerns about the perceived neglect of Ghanaian languages in favor of foreign languages, the Office argued that equipping the youth with diverse linguistic skills is a strategic investment in their future, especially in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
Arabic is recognized as one of the six official languages of the United Nations and is a major language of communication across economically vibrant regions of the world. The Office commended the Ministry of Education for implementing a standardized curriculum through the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), which it believes will ensure quality assurance for students opting to study the language.
The curriculum is expected to enable students to participate effectively in international diplomacy, trade, and research. The Office also welcomed the Ministry's clarification that Arabic remains strictly optional and is neither compulsory nor intended to undermine the secular character of Ghana's public education system. It emphasized that Ghana's constitutional order guarantees religious freedom while prohibiting the establishment of a state religion and urged that public discussions of the policy be informed by facts.
The statement compared Arabic with other foreign languages such as French, German, and Spanish, which have enriched academic development without altering students' cultural or religious identities. It called on educationists, policymakers, and the public to approach the policy objectively and verify information from credible sources to guard against misinformation and disinformation.
Finally, the Office reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, and other relevant institutions to promote an inclusive, peaceful, and globally competitive education system.