Does Ghana Speak Swahili? An Insight into Kiswahili in Ghana

While Ghana’s official language is English, the country’s educational institutions and cultural initiatives have contributed significantly to the growth and promotion of Kiswahili, a widely spoken language in East Africa. This article explores the relation between Ghana and Kiswahili, and the reasons behind Ghana's involvement in promoting this language.

Understanding the Language Landscape of Ghana

Unlike in many African countries, Ghana does not primarily speak Swahili. Instead, English, a legacy of British colonial rule, serves as the official language. However, the country is linguistically diverse, with over 50 indigenous languages, including Twi, Ewe, and Dagbani spoken by significant portions of the population. Despite this linguistic richness, Ghana has shown a particular interest in Kiswahili, which is primarily spoken in East African countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

History and Growth of Kiswahili in Ghana

Kiswahili has been part of Ghana's educational system since the 1960s, contributing to its growth in the West African region. The University of Ghana (UG) has played a crucial role in this process. Dr. Josephine Dzahene-Quarshie, an expert in Kiswahili at UG Legon, provides a detailed account of the development of the Kiswahili Section in the Department of Modern Languages.

Teaching and Learning Kiswahili at the University of Ghana

Since the 1980s and 1990s, the Section of Kiswahili has expanded significantly. With four Ghanaians joining as lecturers, the section is currently composed of two full-time Ghanaians—a Senior Lecturer/Coordinator and an Assistant Lecturer, as well as three part-time lecturers from Tanzania, Kenya, and another Ghanaian. This structure underscores the ongoing challenges and resource allocation for the Kiswahili Section.

The University of Ghana's Undergraduate Handbook lists at least 37 courses covering various areas of studies in Kiswahili, language, literature, history, and culture. To enhance the combined major programme and produce students with high-level language proficiency, Ghanaian students are sent to the University of Dar es Salaam for a one-year study abroad programme.

This education program, initiated in the mid-1960s, has been sustained to this day. It has taken place over different periods in Kenya, Zanzibar, and mainland Tanzania, highlighting the long-standing commitment to promoting Kiswahili.

A Prominent Scholar and Contributing Faculty

The Kiswahili Section at UG has produced notable Kiswahili scholars such as Professor Assibi A. Amidu of the University of Trondheim and the late Dr. Jonathan K. Mensah. It was during the 1967/1968 academic year that the Section faced a brief interruption due to a lack of teaching staff.

Enhancing Cultural and Social Responsibility through Kiswahili

The SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College Ghana, a charitable non-profit organization, also plays a role in promoting Kiswahili. Founded in 1990 by SOS Kinderdorf International Organisation, this college aims to develop the social responsibility and commitment of African students towards the development of Africa. The institution's Kiswahili programme, which began in 1995, focuses on providing students from Eastern and Central Africa with an opportunity to learn and build proficiency in KiSwahili, the lingua franca in those regions. This approach is reflective of the school's philosophy of Pan-Africanism.

Conclusion

While Ghana primarily uses English as its official language, the country's commitment to promoting Kiswahili is evident through its educational institutions and cultural programs. This effort not only enhances the linguistic and cultural diversity of Ghana but also contributes to broader African unity and development.