Afenyo-Markin urges multinational colleges to show Ghanaian languages to advertise cultural pleasure – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In a bold call for cultural preservation and national pride, Ghana’s Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has urged multinational colleges operating in the country to integrate Ghanaian languages into their curricula. Speaking on the “PM Express” segment of Life Pulse Daily on October 27, 2025, Afenyo-Markin emphasized that such an initiative would not only celebrate Ghana’s rich linguistic heritage but also enhance its global image as a hub of cultural diversity. This article explores his proposals, their implications for education, and their alignment with broader national development goals.

Analysis of Multinational Colleges’ Role in Cultural Promotion

The Case for Ghanaian Language Inclusion

Afenyo-Markin highlighted a critical gap in the curricula of multinational colleges, which predominantly cater to diplomats, expatriates, and international students. “None of these institutions,” he noted, “currently offer Ghanaian languages like Twi, Ga, Ewe, or Hausa as part of their programs.” This omission, he argued, represents a missed opportunity to showcase Ghana’s cultural richness to a global audience.

Connecting Diaspora Communities to Roots

The Member of Parliament stressed that children of expatriates residing in Ghana for extended periods—such as diplomatic families staying for five to ten years—could benefit immensely from learning local languages. “Imagine a child returning home from such an experience and confidently speaking Twi or Ewe,” he said. “That’s tangible proof of Ghana’s cultural impact on global minds.”

Economic and Diplomatic Advantages

Afenyo-Markin linked language education to national development, asserting that cultural pride fosters investment and tourism. “Investors consider a nation’s culture and lifestyle before committing resources,” he explained. “By embedding Ghanaian languages into education, we signal pride in our identity, making Ghana a more attractive and respected destination.”

Government-Led Reforms and Educational Reforms

Mother Tongue Instruction Mandated Nationwide

The timing of Afenyo-Markin’s critique aligns with a recent directive issued by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu. The Ghana Education Service (GES) is now tasked with implementing mother tongue instruction in all public schools, a policy aimed at strengthening local language acquisition and cultural identity from an early age.

Synergy Between Public and Private Educational Models

While Afenyo-Markin focused on multinational colleges, the GES reforms target Ghanaian schools broadly. This dual approach—addressing local institutions and global-facing entities—ensures a cohesive strategy for language preservation. However, challenges such as resource allocation and teacher training remain unresolved.

Key Arguments and Perspectives

Cultural Pride as a National Asset

Afenyo-Markin’s proposal underscores the importance of cultural education as a tool for identity reinforcement. By learning Ghanaian languages, international students and expatriates gain a deeper appreciation for the nation’s heritage, fostering mutual respect and Southern Hemisphere solidarity.

Global Branding Through Language

Language programs, the MP argued, act as soft power tools. For instance, a child of a Nigerian diplomat studying Ga or Ewe might later advocate for Ghanaian goods or collaborations. “It’s about creating ambassadors of culture,” he remarked, aligning language education with long-term economic and diplomatic gains.

Practical Strategies for Implementation

Curriculum Design Recommendations

Multinational colleges could start by offering beginner courses in Ghana’s major languages—such as Twi or Hausa—taught by local educators. Partnerships with universities like the University of Ghana could provide structured frameworks for accreditation.

Technology and Resource Integration

Leveraging digital platforms like Open Culture for language learning materials or hosting cultural exchange programs could amplify accessibility. Additionally, incentivizing local teachers through scholarships or grants might address staffing needs.

Points of Caution and Challenges

Logistical and Financial Barriers

Critics may argue that adding Ghanaian languages to curricula could strain resources. Colleges would need to secure funding, train educators, and develop standardized materials—a process requiring collaboration between public and private stakeholders.

Balancing Independence and Compliance

While multinational colleges maintain autonomy, Afenyo-Markin’s call for “inspiration” rather than mandates raises questions about enforcement. Clear guidelines and incentives would be necessary to ensure voluntary participation without bureaucratic friction.

Comparison with Global Practices

Language Education in International Schools

Countries like Singapore and South Korea have successfully integrated local languages into international curricula, enhancing both cultural pride and global competitiveness. Ghana could adopt similar models while tailoring them to its unique linguistic landscape.

Differentiating Ghana’s Approach

Unlike monolingual international schools, Ghana’s proposal emphasizes inclusivity across its 10 major ethnolinguistic groups. This diversity, if leveraged effectively, could position the nation as a leader in multicultural education.

Legal and Policy Implications

Alignment with Existing Frameworks

The GES reforms provide a legal backbone for Afenyo-Markin’s proposals. By expanding mother tongue education nationally, the government could mandate language components in multinational colleges, though this would require parliamentary approval.

Potential Regulatory Hurdles

Oversight bodies like the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) would need to develop standards for language instruction. Concerns about over-regulation must be balanced against the need for consistency and quality.

Conclusion

Afenyo-Markin’s advocacy reflects a growing recognition of language education as a cornerstone of national development. By encouraging multinational colleges to embrace Ghanaian languages, Ghana can strengthen its cultural identity while attracting global investors and talent. As the nation debates this path, the fusion of tradition and modernity in education remains a critical step toward sustained progress.

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