A fellow at CDD Ghana and a corporate development expert and founder of The Songhai Group has called for educational reforms aimed at making local mother tongues the primary mode of instruction in schools.
Delivering the keynote address on the topic, “Beyond the Text: Making Ghana’s Constitution Deliver Democracy” on Thursday, organised by CDD Ghana, Dr Kwapong posited that building a more cohesive society requires rethinking the country’s approach to language and civic education.
He argued that Ghana’s current education system does not sufficiently foster social unity or civic responsibility.
“Local mother tongues must be the primary language of instruction, with Twi serving as a universal medium alongside English,” he proposed.
According to him, this shift would strengthen cultural identity, improve learning outcomes, and create shared understanding across communities.
Dr Kwapong also recommended a review of the Religious and Moral Education (RME) curriculum to emphasise respect not only for religious and traditional leaders but also for government officials and persons in authority.
This, he explained, would help instil civic responsibility among the youth and foster respect for democratic institutions.
Other speakers at the lecture raised related concerns about democratic accountability. Ms Shamima Muslim, Deputy Spokesperson for President John Mahama, highlighted the government’s constitutional review process and efforts to promote transparency through asset declarations and codes of conduct.
She noted that democracy flourishes when institutions act as guardians of the people.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin added that democracy can only be sustained when young people trust leaders and understand Ghana’s cultural and political context.
He warned that apathy among the youth could threaten the country’s democratic system.
