Commemoration of World Literacy Day: Govt urged to promote multi-lingual literacy

The President of the Ghana Publishers Association (GPA), Asare Konadu Yamoah, has urged the government and policymakers to implement policies that promote and support multi-lingual literacy and cultural integration in the country. 

He suggested a review of the country’s current educational policies to align with the changing dynamics of the world, adding that the system should allow for both English and local languages to go side by side.

This would ensure that children would not only grow up to appreciate their own cultures but that of others in the country.

The president was speaking at a pupils’ engagement at Kwashieman One Basic School in Accra as part of activities to commemorate this year’s World Literacy Day on Wednesday, on the theme:” Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace”.

The event was attended by educators, policymakers, publishers and students who discussed the vital role of multilingual education in fostering global understanding, peace, and cultural appreciation.

Mr Yamoah also stressed the need to change the educational system in the country to adapt to the growing interconnectedness of the world.

This would ensure that future generations would be equipped not only with knowledge, but also with the necessary skills to foster empathy, openness and cultural sensitivity.

"We need practical interventions that include the provision of multi-lingual books and resources, as well as training teachers to effectively implement such initiatives,” the president said.

Commitment

Mr Yamoah reaffirmed the association's commitment to supporting multilingual education in the country, adding that “we, as publishers are ready to provide the necessary books and resources to support multilingual literacy”.

He also encouraged authors to write in various Ghanaian languages, “we are prepared to publish and distribute them across the country and ensure they reach every corner".

The Chief Executive Officer of Step Publishers, Lawrence Darmani, cited global literacy statistics which “indicates that while 86 per cent of the world's population was literate, 754 million adults still cannot read or write”.

Also, two-thirds of the illiterates are women. And in Ghana, about 7.9 million people, aged six years and older, are classified as illiterate.

He said the situation called for increased efforts to educate girls and women, and encouraged young people, parents, and teachers to promote reading and literacy.

“Literacy improves our minds, enlightens us, enables us to develop our talents, and improves our lives by expanding our capabilities,” Mr Darmani, who is also a columnist in the Daily Graphic, said.

He also advocated the development of a unique Ghanaian language to serve as a lingua franca.

Knowledge acquisition

The Ablekuma North Municipal Education Director, Ebenezer Perry Ofori, affirmed the assembly’s commitment to deliver quality and relevant education to all learners within the municipality.

He said literacy was a means to build independence and self-confidence, and cited the scripture which says that: “For lack of knowledge, my people perish.”

Appeal

The Headmistress of the School, Justina Awanu, appealed to members of the GPA and the public to provide storybooks and other reading materials for the school's library to help enhance pupils’ reading abilities.

She also said that the school was in dire need of furniture and security to prevent frequent break-ins that had resulted in the loss of valuable assets.