Accra, June 23, 2026 — Kusaal, Likpakpaanl and Sisaali are set to be formally taught and examined in schools following the launch of their standardised orthographies by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, at the National Theatre in Accra today.
The Minister described the development as a major milestone in preserving Ghana’s linguistic heritage, promoting inclusive education and ensuring the integration of indigenous languages into modern technology platforms.
Speaking at the launch, Hon. Gomashie said the standardised writing systems would make it possible for the three languages to be taught in schools, assessed by educational institutions and adapted for use in digital applications and artificial intelligence technologies.
“Language is the soul of a people. When we preserve our languages, we preserve our identity, our knowledge systems and our future,” she said, stressing that nations that neglect their languages risk losing their history and cultural heritage.
She encouraged universities, researchers and students to produce dictionaries, grammar books, storybooks and other learning materials to support the growth and documentation of the languages. She also urged young people to use technology to promote indigenous languages through mobile applications, podcasts, digital content creation and translation tools.
The Minister commended the Bureau of Ghana Languages, linguists, traditional authorities and language committees for their contributions to the development of the orthographies. She disclosed that government had already launched orthographies for several Ghanaian languages within the last fifteen months and plans to introduce three more before the end of the year.
According to her, the initiative supports Ghana’s obligations under UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage and contributes to improved literacy and learning outcomes through mother-tongue education.
In a welcome address, Acting Executive Director of the Bureau of Ghana Languages, Ebenezer Ahiator, described the launch as a historic achievement for the beneficiary language communities and the nation.
“Today, we are not merely launching writing systems; we are securing the future of communities, their stories, traditions and worldviews,” he said.
Mr. Ahiator noted that the orthographies were the result of years of collaboration among linguists, universities, language committees, traditional leaders and community members. He called on academia to advance research and innovation in indigenous languages to strengthen their role in education, governance and digital communication.
Chairman of the event, Hon. Cletus Apul Avoka Esq. an ace Ghanaian politician said the orthographies would enable children within the Kusaasi, Konkomba and Sissala communities to learn to read and write in their mother tongues, thereby strengthening literacy and cultural identity.
He praised the Ministry and the Bureau of Ghana Languages for promoting indigenous language development and expanding educational opportunities for communities whose languages have historically received limited educational support.
The launch featured solidarity messages from Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Hon. Joseph Nikpe, Transport Minister, traditional authorities and representatives of the beneficiary language communities.
The event brought together traditional leaders, Members of Parliament, academia, students, language experts and development partners, marking another significant step in Ghana’s efforts to preserve, promote and develop indigenous languages as tools for education, cultural preservation and national development.
Source: PR Unit, MoTCCA
