The Ghana Institute of Languages, GIL, is a wholly government owned tertiary institution. The Institute was established by an Act of Parliament in 1961 for the purpose of teaching foreign languages in order to promote Pan-Africanism and cordial relations between Ghanaians and foreigners. The Institute is also mandated to advise government on language policy.

Tamale Campus was established in 1999 by Dr S.K. Bemile with a view to providing and promoting language education, learning, research and services in the Northern part of the Country. Its first Principal was Dr Nuhu(full name required). His determination to maintain the high academic standards and to lay solid foundations for Tamale to become a Centre of Excellence did not go unnoticed. It is worth mentioning in the same vein that its successive Principals have made valuable contributions towards having a sound Tamale Campus which is now a source of pride. Tamale Campus was initially established as a branch of the SOL ( School of Languages). But profoundly attached to its motto, vision, mission and philosophy to break barriers through languages and to become a pre-eminent international centre of learning to produce first class professionals in modern languages who will foster African Unity, promote socio-economic and political integration in Africa and facilitate global communication, GIL brought her programmes and services to the doorstep of every African especially those within and around the Northern part of Ghana. Thus, Tamale campus also has a Consultancy and Client Service Unit which provides translation, interpretations and secretarial services..

Given that Northern Ghana is predominantly a Muslim area with most of the students wishing to study international languages especially Arabic, French, English and to upgrade themselves, earn promotions and progress beyond the Arabic School Certificate level, GIL as part of its desire to break barriers through languages and to impact positively on communities, in which it operates, has rolled out a 2-year Diploma in Arabic programme for Arabic scholars including holders of Arabic School (Makaranta) certificates.(it can be placed under programmes).

Lectures for the mainstream Diploma in Arabic programme and certificates ( English, French, Arabic etc) are held at the Tamale main campus, located on Education Ridge near Tamale College of Education (TATCO) and Radio Savannah.

We have established satellite campuses/centres in Savulugu, Walewale, Bolga, Bawku, Korshorgu, Yendi, Damengo, Wa, where we run sandwich programme. .

The campus was established to teach foreign languages in order to promote Pan-Africanism and cordial relations between Ghanaians and foreigners, to help Arabic students to upgrade themselves, earn promotions and progress beyond the Arabic School Certificate level. GIL has upheld these goals and improved in quality and scope by teaching of Arabic, French, English, Portugueuse, Russian, Chinese, German , Spanish at the Beginner ( A1 and A2 ) Intermediate ( B1 and B2 ) Advanced ( C1 and C2 ) levels as well as the training of professional bilingual Secretaries and Translators.

ENGLISH
Beginner ( A1 and A2 ) Intermediate ( B1 and B2 ) Advanced ( C1 and C2 )

FRENCH
Beginner ( A1 and A2 ) Intermediate ( B1 and B2 ) Advanced ( C1 and C2 )

ARABIC
Beginner ( A1 and A2 ) Intermediate ( B1 and B2 ) Advanced ( C1 and C2 )

This 2-year Diploma Programme in Arabic has enabled the Arabic scholars to upgrade themselves, earn promotions and progress beyond the Arabic School Certificate level. The programme seeks to sharpen and fine-tune the language teaching skills of this category of teachers(is it learners?). It also seeks to solve the problem of language deficiency among them since this another need that has been discovered among these scholars. English is therefore, an integral examinable component of the programme. All this is at a relatively low cost. Benefits for graduates include National Service to start with and more importantly, recognition by GES for professional upgrading and promotion for those who hold our diploma certificate.

The Diploma programme is run at the Tamale campus on a regular basis and as a sandwich programmes at the various satellite campus such as Savulgu, Walewale and Bolga.

We are planning to introduce the Degree programmes in Translation, Bilingual Secretary, Arabic, French, English, etc at Tamale Campus. We also plan to create new campuses at Yendi, Salaga, Korsoghu, Damengo and Wa.