Chinese Language Curriculum Introduced for Basic, JHS and SHS in Ghana

Ferdinand | EducationGhana | December 18 |Chinese Language Curriculum Introduced for Basic, JHS and SHS in Ghana

Ghana has officially launched a Chinese language curriculum for basic, junior high and senior high schools, marking a major step toward multilingual education and deeper Ghana–China cooperation.

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Curriculum Launch Marks New Phase in Ghana’s Language Policy

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) has formally launched a Chinese language curriculum for Ghana’s basic, junior high and senior high schools, expanding the country’s language education framework beyond English and Ghanaian languages.The launch took place as part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the 2025 Chinese Ambassador’s Awards Ceremony. The event drew education officials, diplomats, academics, traditional leaders and students.

NaCCA: Multilingual Skills Now a Global Necessity

Speaking on behalf of the NaCCA Board Chairman, Prof. Vincent Assanful, the Director-General of NaCCA, Prof. Samuel Ofori Bekoe, described the launch as a defining moment in Ghana’s education history.He noted that literacy in the 21st century extends beyond English proficiency to include cultural intelligence and multilingual competence, especially in a global economy shaped by Asia’s rising influence.According to him, the Chinese language curriculum is designed to prepare Ghanaian learners for global competitiveness, particularly in trade, diplomacy, technology and international cooperation.

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Structure and Focus of the Curriculum

Prof. Assanful explained that the curriculum was developed through technical collaboration with the Confucius Institute at UCC and aligns with Ghana’s Common Core Programme.Key features of the curriculum include:

• Competency-based learning with emphasis on communicative proficiency
• Contextual alignment with Ghanaian values and realities
• Benchmarking against Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) standards
• Reduced emphasis on rote memorisation in favour of functional literacy

He stressed that the initiative is not only academic but also an economic intervention aimed at reducing barriers in Ghana–China trade and cooperation.

Strengthening Ghana–China Educational Ties

In an address read on her behalf, the Central Regional Director of Education, Dr. Juliet Dufie Otamie, highlighted the role of education and culture in strengthening diplomatic relations between Ghana and China.She described the Confucius Institute as a platform that has empowered Ghanaian youth through language skills, cultural exposure and international opportunities, transforming students into confident global citizens.

Confucius Institute’s Decade of Impact

The Ghana Director of the Confucius Institute, Prof. Emmanuel Amo Ofori, traced the institute’s development from its conceptual stage in 2008 to its official launch in 2016.He noted that over the past decade, the institute has:

• Trained thousands of students annually
• Facilitated academic and cultural exchanges
• Supported Ghanaian businesses engaging Chinese partners
• Extended Chinese language instruction to basic schools

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Dennis Worlanyo Aheto, added that the institute currently serves about 11,000 learners annually and has contributed significantly to digital skills development and employability.

Recognition and Awards

As part of the ceremony, citations were presented to past and present UCC Vice-Chancellors and education leaders for their contributions to international education partnerships. Outstanding students were also honoured for excellence in Chinese language competitions at national and continental levels.

Looking Ahead

Education experts at a panel discussion called for teacher training colleges to integrate Chinese language programmes to ensure sustainability and nationwide implementation.NaCCA reaffirmed its commitment to regulatory support and teacher development to ensure the curriculum delivers globally competitive Ghanaian graduates.

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