German language enthusiasts have been encouraged to view the language as a tool for development in a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected.
Addressing a gathering of students, teachers, and language lovers at the 2025 edition of German Language Day in Accra on October 18, Erich Mosebach, Chairman of the Allianz Deutsche Sprache Ghana (ADSG), emphasised the value of learning German in today’s world.
The event, organised by the Verein Deutsche Sprache (Association of German Language), the Ghana Association of Teachers of German (GATG), and the ADSG, brought together institutions, schools, and universities to showcase the growing importance of German in Ghana.
Participants were treated to a lively programme featuring interactive activities, exhibitions, stage performances, and musical entertainment. A major highlight was the presentation of projects by students, who demonstrated their skills through creative displays developed during the preparatory phase.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this year’s German Language Day here in Ghana. Today, we come together to celebrate not just a language, but a rich and vibrant culture that has long had a profound influence on the world,” Mr. Mosebach said.
He noted that German offers for both personal and professional development opportunities and should be taken seriously. “German is the most spoken language in Europe and is one of the leading languages of international business, science, and diplomacy. Mastering German opens doors to an array of opportunities, from academic exchanges to career prospects in fields like engineering, technology, medicine, international trade, and more,” he said.
“Through language, we gain access to the rich history, literary masterpieces, innovative art, music, and philosophy of the German-speaking countries. Understanding a language means understanding the values and worldviews that shape a culture, which in turn fosters deeper international friendships and collaboration,” Mr. Mosebach pointed to the cultural depth that comes with learning German.
The German Day, according to organisers, forms part of a broader effort to revive and strengthen German language learning in Ghana.
For many participants, the event points to how the study of German extends far beyond the classroom, offering a gateway to international opportunities and cultural exchange.
The steady promotion of German language learning in Ghana is closely tied to the work of dedicated teachers and organisers, among them Hayford Amedji-dela Anyidoho. His introduction to the language began during his school years in Togo, where students had to choose between German or Spanish.
“I started with Spanish there, but then switched and discovered my love for German. There are many reasons for this. For one thing, most of my classmates found German the most difficult, and as a young student, I always wanted big challenges. I then decided, okay, I want to learn a difficult language so that I’ll be respected in the future if I master it and can speak it properly,” he told Deutsche Welle in 2016.
Since joining the Ghanaian Association of Teachers of German (GATG) in 2006, he rose to become an active board member and from 2009 to 2016 served as its organising secretary. During this period, he worked closely with Desmond Nii Adjiri Hansen-Sackey, now the president of GATG, to organise the association’s activities and broaden its reach.
His devotion to the language has also been expressed through regular visits to Germany, which he described as essential both for maintaining fluency and for cultural exchange. “This is very important to me, especially since it gives me the opportunity to bring my German up to date, for example, with regard to the latest forms or word formations in youth slang. On the other hand, it’s also important to me to acquire some knowledge of German culture. That’s why visiting Germany every year is so important to me,” he said.
Beyond the classroom, he has been instrumental in establishing German clubs in schools and universities, including the University of Cape Coast, Three Town Senior High School in Aflao, Keta, and the University of Education, Winneba. These initiatives, alongside cultural festivals and German Language Day activities, were designed to motivate students and spark wider interest in the subject.
Institutional leadership has also played a role in sustaining momentum. From 2017 to 2023, the Verein Deutsche Sprache in Ghana was directed by Neequaye Gottlieb Humbert-Amoney, and since 2024 it has been chaired by Georges Gbemu. Together with the GATG and the Allianz Deutsche Sprache Ghana, the association continues to provide a framework for the growth of German language studies nationwide.