Accra hosted the 2025 German Language Day in Ghana on Saturday, October 18, at the German International School, with organisers urging Ghanaians to seize the opportunities that mastering the language brings for education, careers, and international partnerships.

The celebration featured stage performances, exhibitions, and a showcase of student projects developed during preparation days. Universities and institutions also mounted information booths, highlighting scholarships, exchange programmes, and professional pathways linked to German studies.

Delivering the welcome address, Erich Mosebach, Chairman of the Allianz Deutsche Sprache Ghana (ADSG), said German was a strategic asset in today’s interconnected world. “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 further stressed that knowledge of the language went hand-in-hand with deeper cultural understanding. “Understanding a language means understanding the values and worldviews that shape a culture, which in turn fosters deeper international friendships and collaboration,” he said.

He added that for students who aspire to study or work abroad, German remains a bridge to both academic excellence and professional growth. “Whether you’re a student aiming to study abroad, an entrepreneur seeking new partnerships, or a professional looking to expand your career, the German language is a key that can unlock countless doors,” Mr Mosebach told the gathering.

The day also served as a moment to prepare Ghanaians to take part in global opportunities by linking classroom learning to international platforms.

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 Denu, 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. Aside from being a Ghanaian, he also has the privilege of being a German citizen since 2024.

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.