Ghana Marks International Mother Language Day with Focus on Youth and Multilingual Education

The United Nations in Ghana, in collaboration with the School of Languages at the University of Ghana and the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), commemorated International Mother Language Day with a symposium under the theme, “Youth Voices on Multilingual Education,” bringing together young people, educators, academics, and development partners to advance dialogue on inclusive education and linguistic diversity.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), an estimated 40 per cent of learners worldwide still lack access to education in a language they understand, underscoring the importance of multilingual education. The Day highlights the vital role of languages in preserving cultural identity, improving learning outcomes, and promoting inclusive and equitable societies.

Speaking at the event, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, H.E Zia Choudhury, emphasized the critical role of language in advancing inclusion and sustainable development. Drawing from his personal experience, he shared childhood memories of his mother speaking to him in Sylheti, illustrating the deep bond between language and identity. He also reflected on the historic language movement in Bangladesh, including the protests of 21 February 1952, which later inspired the global observance of International Mother Language Day.

“There is a growing awareness that language plays a vital role in development, ensuring cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, while also strengthening cooperation between people. It builds value, reflects the perspectives of learners, and ensures education systems support learners in languages they understand,” he said.

The Resident Coordinator also commended Ghana’s commitment to strengthening multilingual education, particularly the policy mandating the use of local languages as the primary medium of instruction from kindergarten through Primary Three.

“Let’s support young people, listen to them, engage with them, and learn from their skills, experience, and knowledge,” he added.

The Dean of the School of Languages, University of Ghana, Professor Josephine Dzahene-Quarshie, said being taught in one’s mother language is not simply a matter of cultural pride; it is indeed a proven foundation for deeper understanding, stronger learning outcomes, and greater confidence in education.

“When learners learn in their own languages, they connect knowledge to identity, and education becomes more inclusive and transformative,” she said. Professor Dzahene-Quarshie called on stakeholders to work together to ensure that Ghanaian languages continue to flourish in classrooms, communities, and digital spaces.

The symposium featured a keynote address by Professor Isaac Wiafe on the topic, “Will AI Speak My Mother Tongue? Your Role in the Future of Ghanaian Languages,” highlighting the intersection of technology and language preservation. He stressed on the need to upload content in mother languages on the internet to help AI recognize and improve these languages. “If your language is missing in AI, you do not influence the future,” he said.

An insightful panel discussion with leading academics and young scholars further explored how multilingual education can support inclusive development and empower youth.