Chiefs and Civil Society Groups of the BONABOTO area have expressed gratitude to president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his Minister for Education, Mathew Opoku Prempeh over steps taken by the government to make the Gurune language examinable at the basic and Senior High School levels.
In a press release commending the president and his government, the chiefs and various groups in the BONABOTO area including Civil Society Groups BONABOTO and Terabuureyele described as swift and decisive steps taken by the government aimed at making the Gurune language examinable at the pre-tertiary level.
President of BONABOTO, Dr. Andrews Akolaa who spoke on behalf of the chiefs and interest groups of the area, according to the release, said the action taken by the government is a good gesture and indication of their commitment to fulfilling their promise of making the language examinable, for which the people of BONABOTO area will forever be grateful.
“It is indeed great news for BONABOTO and the people are excited about this good news and we really thank the President for this show of commitment to the Chiefs and People of the BONABOTO area.
We will forever remain grateful to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh for this kind gesture and commitment to the promise,” Mr. Akolaa is reported to have said adding that “they will be remembered in the annals of the BONABOTO area as our partners for development.”
Though the Gurune language, which is one of the most spoken languages in the Upper East, is taught in some schools at the basic level, it has not been adopted officially as part of languages that are taught and examined at the pre-tertiary level.
For many years, Language experts and civil society groups in the BONABOTO area, where it is spoken, have been advocating for its inclusion in the officially adopted languages taught and examined at, particularly, the pre-tertiary level.
Following a passionate appeal by Paramount Chiefs of the BONABOTO area in May this year, President Akufo-Addo at a Special meeting with the Regional House of Chiefs during his recent visit to the region disclosed that he had instructed the Minister for Education, Mathew Opoku Prempeh to see to the approval of the language for teaching and learning as well as examination at the Basic and Senior High School levels.
The Ministry of Education has since written to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) for the development of a standard-based curriculum for the teaching and learning of the Gurune language at various pre-tertiary levels in line with NaCCA guidelines.
A move, the chiefs and civil society groups of the area believe, will bring into fruition their many years of advocacy for the language to be made examinable and, sustain the heritage and identity of the people of the BONABOTO enclave.
