Dr. Apaak reiterates support to integrate Buli into basic school curriculum

The Deputy Minister for Education, Clement Apaak, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the integration of the Buli language into Ghana’s basic school curriculum through a structured and nationally approved process.

Dr. Apaak made this known during a community stakeholder meeting convened to discuss the development of a unified orthography for the Buli language. The initiative marks a significant step toward formalising the language for educational use, particularly in schools serving Builsa communities.

According to the Deputy Minister, the introduction of Buli into the education system aligns with Ghana’s broader policy direction, which promotes mother-tongue instruction in the early years of basic education. He explained that the existing national curriculum framework already provides the necessary foundation for incorporating local languages, making the Buli language initiative both practical and timely.

He emphasized that while the goal is achievable, it must follow a clearly defined and systematic process to ensure quality and sustainability. Central to this effort is the development of a unified orthography, which will standardise the writing system of the language and ensure consistency in teaching and learning materials.

“The goal is for Buli to become a recognised language of instruction in basic schools serving Builsa communities,” Dr. Apaak stated. “That goal is achievable, but it has a proper process — the Unified Orthography comes first, then curriculum review through National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, followed by materials development, and finally teacher training.”

He further noted that each stage of the process is critical to ensuring that the language is effectively integrated into the classroom. This includes the development of textbooks and teaching resources, as well as equipping teachers with the necessary skills to deliver instruction in Buli.

Stakeholders at the meeting highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous languages and promoting cultural identity through education. They expressed optimism that the successful inclusion of Buli in the curriculum would not only improve learning outcomes for children in Builsa communities but also strengthen cultural heritage and linguistic diversity.

The initiative is expected to contribute to Ghana’s broader efforts to enhance inclusive education by ensuring that learners can begin their academic journey in a language they understand. Education experts have long argued that mother-tongue instruction in early childhood improves comprehension, literacy development, and overall academic performance.

Dr. Apaak assured stakeholders of the government’s continued support throughout the process, adding that collaboration between local communities, linguistic experts, and educational authorities will be essential in achieving the desired outcome.

The move to integrate Buli into the national curriculum is seen as a progressive step toward making Ghana’s education system more inclusive, culturally relevant, and responsive to the needs of diverse linguistic groups across the country.