Africa’s multilingual ecologies present both opportunities and challenges for national identity, education, and social cohesion. This lecture examines the contrasting trajectories of Ghana and Tanzania in shaping language policy and practice, situating them within broader continental debates on multilingualism and postcolonial legacies. Ghana, despite its early independence, has refrained from adopting a national language, relying instead on English as the medium of instruction and administration. This choice reflects concerns over ethnic tensions and political stability, but it has also perpetuated inequalities in literacy and access to education. In contrast, Tanzania’s bold adoption of Kiswahili as both national and official language in 1967 fostered political unity, strengthened national identity, and contributed to higher literacy rates.

The lecture interrogates how colonial legacies, missionary interventions, and shifting government policies have shaped language-in-education frameworks in both countries.

By comparing these cases, the lecture underscores the sociopolitical, cultural, and pedagogical implications of language policy choices. It argues that inclusive, context-sensitive approaches that value both indigenous languages and global lingua francas are essential for equitable education and sustainable development. Ultimately, Ghana and Tanzania illustrate divergent but instructive pathways, offering insights into how African states can navigate the complex terrain of language, identity, and education in multilingual societies.

Josephine Dzahene-Quarshie is an Associate Professor at the Kiswahili Section, Department of African and Asian Languages, University of Ghana, Legon. She holds a PhD from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. Her research focuses on Syntax, Sociolinguistics, Discourse Analysis, and Pragmatics. Over the past 26 years, she has built valuable experience in teaching, research, and leadership in various academic and administrative capacities. She has published over 32 peer-reviewed papers and presented at over 45 international conferences. She served as the Coordinator of the Kiswahili Section in the Department of Modern Languages and as Head of the Department for two terms. She was also the founding Ghanaian Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana. She has served on several University boards and committees, including the Academic Board and the Business and Executive Committee. She is the current President of the Linguistics Association of Ghana and an executive member of the Pragmatics Association of Africa. She is currently the Dean of the School of Languages at the University of Ghana.

Chair: Adams Bodomo