Accra: Rare footage from 1954 has offered a glimpse into how English was taught in the Gold Coast, years before the country gained independence. The footage, shared on the X page by Ghana Facts and History on August 11, 2026, shows a male teacher instructing adults in speaking, reading, and writing English.
According to Ghana Web, the teacher explains that the method was designed as a quick way to help new literates in the vernacular acquire basic English language skills. The teacher introduces the books used in the lessons, stating that two books were employed to assist learners in expanding their English vocabulary while also teaching them how to write simple English.
"This is my class," the teacher says as he introduces the learners participating in the demonstration. He begins the lesson by instructing the class to turn to the first page of their primer, where the words "me" and "you" appear on the first line. "I am now going to start my lesson," he says before proceeding with the teaching demonstration.
The 1954 footage provides a rare look at adult education in the Gold Coast and the methods used at the time to introduce English language skills to local communities.