The Office of the National Chief Imam has backed the introduction of Arabic as an optional subject in public schools. 

‎It said the policy would give students valuable linguistic skills for global engagement and urged addressing concerns about the teaching of Arabic through constructive dialogue. 

‎A press statement signed by Dr Abubakari Mohammed Marzuq Azindoo, Personal Assistant to the National Chief Imam, said Arabic was a global language used in diplomacy, science and commerce, rather than a religious identity or practice. 

‎The statement followed a recent announcement by Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, to introduce Arabic and Chinese as optional subjects in public schools. 

‎Some stakeholders have raised concerns about the policy, citing the perceived neglect of Ghanaian languages in favour of foreign languages. 

‎However, the Office said: “an increasingly interconnected global economy, equipping the youth with diverse linguistic skills is a strategic investment in their future,” the statement said. 

‎It noted that Arabic was one of the six official languages of the United Nations and a major language of communication across economically vibrant regions of the world. 

‎The Office commended the Ministry of Education for introducing a standardised curriculum through the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), saying it would provide quality assurance for students who opted to study the language. 

‎It said the curriculum would also enable students to participate effectively in international diplomacy, trade and research. 

‎The Office welcomed the Ministry’s clarification that Arabic remained strictly optional and was neither compulsory nor intended to undermine the secular character of Ghana’s public education system. 

‎It said Ghana’s constitutional order guaranteed religious freedom while prohibiting the establishment of a state religion, and urged that public discussion of the policy be guided by facts. 

‎The statement compared Arabic to foreign languages such as French, German, and Spanish, saying that it had enriched academic development without altering students’ cultural or religious identities. 

‎It urged educationists, policymakers and the public to approach the policy objectively and verify information from credible sources to guard against misinformation and disinformation. 

‎The Office reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service and other relevant institutions to promote an inclusive, peaceful and globally competitive education system.