Language

There are approximately 79 different languages spoken in Ghana; however, as with many ex-colonies in Africa, the official language is the colonial language, English. Since September 2002, the education policy is for English to be used from the start of primary education, with a Ghanaian language studied as a compulsory subject up to senior secondary school level.

Nine languages have the status of government-sponsored languages: Akan, Dagaare/Wale, Dagbane, Dangme, Ewe, Ga, Gonja, Kasem and Nzema.

Akan

Akan is one of the Akan languages, which are part of the Kwa language family. It is the most widely spoken indigenous language in Ghana. The dialects, especially Twi and Fante, are often given the status of separate languages.

Dagaare

Dagaare/Wale is one of the Oti-Volta languages within the Gur language family. It is spoken in the Upper Western Region of Ghana.

Dagbane

Dagbane is one of the Oti-Volta languages within the Gur language family. It is spoken in the Northern Region of Ghana.

Dangme

Dangme is one of the Ga-Dangme languages within the Kwa language family. It is spoken in Greater Accra, in south-east Ghana.

Ewe

Ewe is a Gbe language, part of the Kwa language family. It is spoken by approximately 2 million people in the Volta Region of south-east Ghana. It is also spoken in Togo.

Ga

Ga is one of the Ga-Dangme languages within the Kwa language family. It is the language of the capital city, Accra, and is also spoken in the Greater Accra Region.

Gonja

Gonja is one of the Potou-Tano languages, part of the Kwa language family. It is spoken in the Northern Region of Ghana.

Kasem

Kasem is a Gur language spoken in the Upper Eastern Region of Ghana. It is also spoken in Burkina Faso.

Nzema

Nzema is one of the Potou-Tano languages, part of the Kwa language family. It is spoken by the Nzema people in the Western Region of Ghana. It is also spoken in the Ivory Coast.