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Lawerh Foundation and AyaPrep Introduce Dangme-Language Maths Module to Boost Student Performance

By Life Pulse Daily Staff | Published: January 15, 2026

Introduction

In a significant stride toward educational equity and cultural preservation in Ghana, the Lawerh Foundation has partnered with AyaPrep Ltd to develop a groundbreaking mathematics module in the Dangme language. This initiative addresses a critical challenge in the Ghanaian educational landscape: the persistent underperformance of students in mathematics, often attributed to language barriers in the classroom.

By integrating vernacular instruction into digital learning tools, this collaboration aims to bridge the gap between abstract mathematical concepts and the linguistic realities of Dangme-speaking students. This article explores the details of this partnership, its pedagogical significance, and the potential impact on digital education in Ghana.

Key Points

Background

Mathematics proficiency among Ghanaian students has historically been a point of concern for educators and policymakers. While the language of instruction in Ghanaian schools is English, many students, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, grapple with English fluency in their early years of schooling. This linguistic gap often hinders their ability to grasp complex mathematical concepts, leading to a cycle of poor performance in national examinations.

The Language Barrier in Education

Pedagogical research consistently shows that students learn best when taught in a language they fully understand. When a child encounters abstract concepts like algebra or geometry in a second language (English), they face a “double cognitive load”: they must decode the language and simultaneously process the mathematical logic. This often results in misconceptions and a lack of foundational understanding.

Lawerh Foundation and AyaPrep

The Lawerh Foundation, led by Dr. Issaka Lawerh Tetteh, has long focused on community development and educational empowerment. AyaPrep Ltd, on the other hand, is a recognized academic business entity specializing in digital learning tools tailored to the Ghanaian curriculum. Their collaboration represents a merger of grassroots insight and technological innovation.

Analysis

The signing of the MoU on December 10, 2025, at the Ghana Bureau of Languages in Accra, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of indigenous language education. Dr. Issaka Lawerh Tetteh, Chief Servant of the Lawerh Foundation, articulated a philosophy that moves beyond mere translation to “transformation.”

Addressing the Root Cause

Dr. Tetteh’s assertion that language is the “root cause” of learning difficulties is supported by educational psychology. By introducing the Dangme-language mathematics module, the initiative aims to:

• Reduce Cognitive Load: Allowing students to focus solely on mathematical logic rather than linguistic translation.
• Enhance Conceptual Clarity: Using culturally relevant examples and metaphors that resonate with the learner’s lived experience.
• Boost Confidence: Enabling students to ask questions and articulate solutions in their mother tongue before transitioning to English.

Cultural Reclamation as Educational Strategy

Dr. Tetteh, a native of Ayikuma in the Shai-Osudoku District, emphasizes that this project is also about “reclaiming heritage.” In many post-colonial contexts, indigenous languages have been marginalized in formal education. This project reframes the Dangme language not as a barrier to modern education, but as a tool for national development. It validates the students’ cultural identity, which can have profound positive effects on engagement and retention.

Practical Advice

For educators, parents, and policymakers interested in replicating or supporting this model, the following practical steps are derived from the Lawerh Foundation and AyaPrep approach:

1. Curriculum Mapping and Standardization

Before content creation begins, a rigorous mapping process is required. Educational stakeholders must align the Dangme terminology with the standard mathematics curriculum. This involves:

• Identifying key mathematical concepts for the target grade levels.
• Collaborating with linguists to develop or standardize technical terms in Dangme that may not currently exist.
• Ensuring the language used is accessible across different Dangme dialects.

2. Leveraging Mobile Technology

The decision to host the module on the AyaPrep mobile app is strategic. To maximize reach:

• Offline Accessibility: Ensure the app functions with minimal data usage, as connectivity can be intermittent in rural areas.
• Interactive Elements: Use audio pronunciations and visual aids to reinforce the text-based Dangme instructions.
• Curriculum Alignment: Ensure the module strictly follows the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) standards to prepare students for BECE and WASSCE.

3. Pilot Testing and Feedback

The rollout in the Shai-Osudoku District serves as a critical testing phase. Educators should:

• Collect data on student comprehension before and after module implementation.
• Gather feedback from teachers on the clarity of the Dangme mathematical terms.
• Adjust content based on real-world classroom performance.

4. Bridging Languages

The ultimate goal is not to replace English but to use Dangme as a scaffold. Parents and teachers should encourage a bilingual approach:

• Start with Dangme to ensure understanding of the concept.
• Gradually introduce the English terminology for the same concept.
• Use the module as a supplementary resource to reinforce classroom learning.

FAQ

Conclusion

The collaboration between the Lawerh Foundation and AyaPrep Ltd represents a transformative step in Ghanaian education. By prioritizing linguistic accessibility through the Dangme-language mathematics module, the initiative tackles a fundamental barrier to learning. It moves beyond treating the symptoms of poor academic performance to addressing the root cause.

As the project moves through its phases—from curriculum mapping in Accra to pilot testing in Shai-Osudoku—it offers a blueprint for inclusive education. This approach not only has the potential to improve mathematics scores but also to foster a renewed pride in Ghana’s linguistic heritage. For Dangme-speaking students, the classroom is about to become a much more familiar and welcoming place.

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily. (2026, January 15). “Lawerh Foundation, AyaPrep to introduce Dangme-language maths module.”
• Lawerh Foundation. Official Press Release: Partnership with AyaPrep Ltd. (December 10, 2025).
• Ghana Bureau of Languages. Documentation on Indigenous Language Standardization.
• NaCCA (National Council for Curriculum and Assessment). Mathematics Curriculum Standards.