The government has augmented the number of Ghanaian languages with standardised orthographies as part of its initiatives to safeguard local languages and enhance the availability of reading and educational materials for schools.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, stated that the government, through the Bureau of Ghana Languages (BGL), has made notable advancements in the standardisation and promotion of Ghanaian languages.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, August 10, 2026, she announced that three additional languages have recently been granted standardised orthographies following the introduction of the orthography for Ahanta.
The three languages include Kusau, which is spoken by the Kusasi people in the Upper East Region; Likpakpal, used by the Dagomba people; and Sisala, spoken by the Sisala community.
Ms. Gomashie indicated that the government aims to standardise three more Ghanaian languages by the end of the year.
“In line with the promotion and development of Ghanaian languages as outlined in its mandate and the party’s manifesto, the Bureau organised the Ghana Languages Dialogue in November of last year, inviting key stakeholders,” she remarked.
She explained that the dialogue was designed to motivate Ghanaians to speak and preserve local languages while raising awareness of their significance.
The programme also aims to ensure that standardised Ghanaian languages can be transformed into reading and educational materials for schools.
Ms. Gomashie noted that the Ministry, in partnership with the Bureau of Ghana Languages and the Member of Parliament for Ahanta West, Mavis Kuukua Bissue, has also launched the orthography of the Ahanta language to aid in the creation of educational resources in that language.
This initiative is part of the government’s wider efforts to honour its campaign promise to reorganise and enhance the Bureau of Ghana Languages and standardise the development of Ghanaian languages.
The Minister stated that the government is utilizing cultural activities to promote the preservation and transmission of Ghanaian languages, such as the Ghana Languages Festival, which took place in July 2025.
