Local Languages to Be Used in Teaching Mathematics in Ghana
Partnership aims to boost mathematics learning and preserve Ghanaian languages through mother-tongue instruction
- AyaPrep Limited and the National Commission on Culture sign MoU to teach mathematics in Ghanaian languages.
- Initiative aims to remove language barriers, helping students understand concepts more easily and perform better academically.
- Digital platform currently supports Twi, Ga, Ewe, and Hausa, with early results showing improved national exam performance.
In a move aimed at promoting the use of local languages in education, AyaPrep Limited and the National Commission on Culture (NCC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to integrate Ghanaian languages into the teaching of various subjects, with a particular focus on mathematics.
The partnership seeks to address language barriers that often make mathematics challenging for students who struggle with English, the primary language of instruction. By using learners’ native languages, the initiative aims to improve comprehension, confidence, and overall performance in the subject.
Wakefield Akwaku, Acting Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture, emphasized the cultural and educational benefits of the collaboration.
“Our indigenous languages are increasingly under threat, and at the same time, many students struggle to understand mathematics because of the language used in teaching,” he said.
He added that teaching mathematics in local languages enables students to grasp concepts more easily, building both understanding and confidence. The NCC will provide technical expertise and leverage its nationwide network to support the program, with a review planned after one year to assess its impact.
Dr. Akua Campbell, Research and Partnerships Manager at AyaPrep, highlighted the role of the company’s digital learning platform in bridging the language gap in mathematics education.
“AyaPrep teaches mathematics in Ghanaian languages, allowing learners to access lessons in the language they understand best,” she explained.
Currently, the platform supports Twi, Ga, Ewe, and Hausa, and early results indicate improved student performance, including higher scores in national examinations.
Both AyaPrep and the NCC hope the partnership will not only enhance educational outcomes but also reinforce the importance of Ghanaian languages in knowledge creation and cultural preservation.
