SISAALI LANGUAGE TO BE EXAMINABLE AT BASIC SCHOOLS AS UNION PUSHES FOR TUCE AND UBIDS ADOPTION

Efforts to make the Sisaali language an examinable subject in basic schools have reached a critical stage as stakeholders push for its formal introduction at the Tumu College of Education (TUCE) and the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS).

Hon. Moses Dramani Luri, a lecturer at the Languages Department of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) and a pioneer of Sisaali language studies, disclosed this during the Sisaala Union Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Sissala East Municipal Assembly Conference Hall on Saturday. Addressing the gathering, Hon. Luri highlighted that the integration of the language into higher education institutions like TUCE and UBIDS is a vital recommendation to ensure a steady supply of qualified teachers. He noted that currently, 74 students have successfully graduated in Sisaali studies, including five first-class and 20 second-class upper holders, who are now qualified to teach from Kindergarten to Senior High School levels.

Hon. Luri emphasized that the formal study of Sisaali will significantly remedy the teacher shortage gap within Sissala communities. However, he expressed concern over declining enrollment figures, which dropped from 77 reported students in 2021 to only a handful of admitted students in 2025. He attributed this decline to several factors, including the high costs of training, transportation, and accommodation, as well as a drop in financial support and low interest in publicity. He specifically noted that while the Sissala West MP’s full fee payment motivated students, a lack of similar consistent financial support in other areas contributed to the decline.

In a move to preserve and promote Sisaala culture internationally, Hon. Luri revealed ongoing deliberations with authorities in Burkina Faso to harmonize the Sisaali writing system across the two countries. He stated that the goal is to ensure the language and culture are developed and promoted in both Ghana and Burkina Faso, noting that he recently visited Leo and Buro for deliberations on teaching Sisaala in Burkinabe universities. He further disclosed that Burkina Faso has already approved a 10-year plan where Sisaali will be used as the medium of instruction for all subjects within Sisaala communities.To ensure the sustainability of the program, Hon. Luri called on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to ensure that every community sponsors students to study Sisaali and return to teach in their local schools. He also urged for increased lobbying for quotas for the 74 graduates to ensure they are absorbed into the professional teaching service. The pioneer concluded by stressing that these steps are essential for the Sisaali language to eventually become fully examinable at the basic school level.

By Bashiru Nuhu Bapagu