Ahanta Language cleared for classrooms as BGL grants official orthography approval

The Ahanta language has crossed a historic threshold into Ghana’s formal education system following the official approval of its orthography by the Bureau of Ghana Languages (BGL), clearing the path for it to be taught—and eventually examined—at both basic and senior high school levels.

The approval crowns months of technical review, consultations and community engagement after a formal submission championed by the Member of Parliament for Ahanta West, who led efforts to standardise the written form of the language.

As part of the process, the Bureau constituted a three-member technical team to rigorously assess the proposed orthography. The team undertook field visits to selected schools participating in a pilot Ahanta language programme across parts of the Ahanta area in the Western Region.

During these visits, the assessors interacted extensively with teachers, pupils, parents, traditional authorities, church leaders and opinion leaders, evaluating classroom usage, learner comprehension and overall community acceptance of the writing system.

According to the Bureau, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. In its formal endorsement, the BGL stated that the Ahanta orthography meets the required linguistic, pedagogical and educational standards for use in Ghanaian schools.

The pilot programme, the Bureau noted, demonstrated strong enthusiasm among learners and teachers, with growing support from parents and traditional leaders. Chiefs and elders in Ahanta land reportedly expressed readiness to see the language fully integrated into the school curriculum.

Following the assessment, the Bureau has officially authorised the use of the Ahanta orthography in schools within Ahanta-speaking communities and approved it for the development of textbooks and other teaching and learning materials.

The endorsement marks a critical step toward making Ahanta an examinable subject at both basic and senior high school levels. The Bureau has also signalled its readiness to certify instructional materials produced using the approved orthography, enabling structured teaching once resources and trained teachers are available.

Beyond education, the decision is being hailed as a major cultural milestone. Advocates say formal recognition in schools will help preserve the Ahanta language, which has long existed in the shadow of more dominant Ghanaian languages such as Twi, Fante and Ewe.

Many see the move as a boost to cultural identity, ensuring that younger generations grow up literate in their mother tongue while strengthening their sense of heritage and belonging.

The development also aligns with Ghana’s broader education policy emphasis on mother-tongue instruction, particularly at the early stages of learning, as a foundation for improved comprehension, literacy and academic performance.