A History of Language Policy In Ghana 1920-1971

Abstract

The impact of colonial language policy on the linguistic history of Ghana cannot be underestimated. The general continuity that has characterized Ghana's language policy after independence owes much to colonial language policy especially after the late 1920s. AII the same, colonialism did not entirely dictate the language policy of post-colonial Ghana. For post- colonial Ghana, the history of language policy was not only shaped by colonial vestiges but also by the political and socio-economic developments at the time. This thesis seeks to trace the historical developments of language policy in Ghana. How and why has the country's language policy changed over time? By utilizing colonial records, the study examines colonial government responses to language concerns during the colonial period. What were these responses and bow have these responses become manifest in subsequent policies on language after independence? In considering post-colonial language policy, the thesis also discusses the role of language in national integration and identity. Of what significance was language to a fledgling nation, in the creation of a national identity while at the same time creating and maintaining national unity'? To what extent was an indigenous language crucial in both cases?