The Bureau of Ghana Languages (BGL) has formally scrutinised and endorsed the Ahanta Language Orthography for use in educational institutions, marking a major milestone in the development and formal recognition of the Ahanta language.
In an official letter referenced BGL/G2185/01 and dated January 15, 2026, the Bureau communicated its decision to the Member of Parliament for the Ahanta West Constituency, Takoradi, following the submission of a paper on the Ahanta Language Orthography.
According to the Bureau, upon receipt of the paper, a thorough review was conducted, after which a three-member assessment team was constituted to evaluate the work and achievements of the Ahanta Language Project Committee (ALPC). The assessment focused particularly on the implementation and usage of the developed orthography.
The review team was accompanied by the Basic Schools’ Coordinator of the Ahanta West Municipal Education Office and the Coordinator of the Pilot Project on Ahanta language teaching. Together, they conducted field visits to schools participating in the pilot programme to assess the practical application of the orthography.
As part of the evaluation process, the team held interactions with a wide range of stakeholders, including teachers, learners, parents, traditional leaders, opinion leaders, church leaders, and elders. These engagements were aimed at verifying the use, acceptance, and progress of the Ahanta Language Orthography within the community and educational settings.
Following the exercise, the Bureau outlined several key findings from the assessment. These findings indicated that:
- The Ahanta Language Orthography meets the required academic and linguistic standards.
- The pilot programme has yielded positive results.
- Teachers, learners, and parents have shown strong enthusiasm for formal indigenous language learning.
- Traditional leaders across Ahanta land are eager to see Ahanta language instruction expanded.
In light of these findings, the Bureau of Ghana Languages officially endorsed the use of the Ahanta Language Orthography in schools throughout Ahanta land and for the development of learning materials. The Bureau described this endorsement as a crucial step towards making the Ahanta language examinable at the Basic Education and Senior High School levels.
The Bureau further stated that it is prepared to certify educational materials developed using the approved Ahanta Language Orthography for these purposes.
The letter concluded with congratulations to all parties involved in the development and implementation of the orthography. It was signed by Ebenezer Ahiator, Esq., Acting Executive Director of the Bureau of Ghana Languages, with a copy addressed to the Deputy Director, Materials Development, BGL.
This endorsement represents a significant advancement in the preservation, promotion, and formalisation of the Ahanta language within Ghana’s educational system.
