French documentation centre inaugurated
The lack of French books and other reading material in libraries throughout the country accounts for the low interest in the study of the language in schools.
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“Apart from the departments of French in some of the universities and the Alliance Françoise, there is hardly any place in Ghana where one can come across any meaningful material in the French language,” a Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Alex Kyeremeh, has observed.
He made the observation at the inauguration of a French documentation and information centre in Accra.
The centre, a collaboration between the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the International Organisation of Francophone (IOF), an organisation that promotes linguistics in the world, is funded by the IOF.
The centre, which consists of an audio-visual corner, a space dedicated to children to manipulate in-door games and read French pamphlets, seeks to promote teaching, learning, speaking and the application of French as a language among Ghanaians.
MoE efforts
According to Mr Kyeremah, the government was about to sign a Linguistic Pact with the IOF to define areas of co-operation on education and promote French Language in the country.
He said the MoE had placed emphasis on the acquisition of communication skills by learners in, at least, a Ghanaian Language and then in foreign languages.
He said the MoE was training more French teachers to teach and educate the students to be acquainted with the Francophone world.
Mr Kyeremeh said similar centres would be established in all the 10 regional libraries to promote the learning of the French language.
He, therefore, gave the assurance to promote the study and use of French language both in and outside the education system and strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
Other speakers
The Representative of the French Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Paulo Pais Hoc, said there was the need to establish a French documentary and information centre to help develop and preserve the use of French in the country.
Commitment
The Acting Executive Director of the Ghana Library Authority, Mr Adjei Apenteng, said the centre would provide opportunity for students to have access to French learning materials.
