Minister Haruna Iddrisu Clarifies Basic School Language Policy Amid Global Recognition for Academic City University and Regulatory Fines for Teaching Hospitals

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has clarified the government's stance on the new basic school curriculum, confirming that Arabic and Chinese will not be mandatory for learners from kindergarten to primary six. This announcement comes alongside a directive from the Ghana High Commission in the United Kingdom requiring government-sponsored students to undergo a mandatory oath of affirmation and scholarship validation exercise to secure their funding. Together, these developments highlight the administration's focus on refining educational policy and ensuring the integrity of scholarship programs. Minister Iddrisu emphasized that the primary focus of the new curriculum remains on local Ghanaian languages and English as the medium of instruction. Foreign languages like Arabic and Chinese will only be introduced as optional subjects starting from primary four. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, the High Commission has launched its validation exercise, which will run from August 13 to September 4, 2026. All government-sponsored students are now required to personally swear an oath of affirmation at a diplomatic mission. Failure to comply with this new directive, as ordered by the Ghana Scholarships Authority, will result in the immediate suspension of future scholarship payments. On the side of excellence, Academic City University has been recognized as Ghana’s Leading Innovation-Driven University for 2026. Awarded by Global Brands Magazine following an independent assessment of academic excellence and technological advancement, the institution was praised for its future-focused approach to higher education. Nelly Agyeman-Gyamfi, the university's Director of Marketing and Communications, noted that the accolade validates their mission to redefine African higher education through industry-aligned, practical learning. The formal presentation of the award is scheduled to occur at the 13th Global Brands Magazine Awards in Dubai on October 2, 2026. While celebrating academic milestones, the sector also faced significant regulatory actions and infrastructure challenges. The Right to Information (RTI) Commission has fined all five of Ghana's teaching hospitals, including Korle-Bu and Komfo Anokye, GH₵20,000 each for failing to submit their required annual reports. This enforcement action underscores a growing demand for transparency within educational and health institutions. Additionally, infrastructure concerns were raised at Pope John Senior High School regarding inadequate classroom furniture, reminding stakeholders that policy shifts and international awards must be matched by improvements in the physical learning environment for all students.