2024 National Reading Festival Wraps Up in Accra

The 2024 National Reading Festival recently concluded in Accra, marking the culmination of an event aimed at highlighting the critical role of reading in enhancing the learning experience of young people across Ghana.

This year’s festival was organized by the Ministry of Education in partnership with the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ghana Library Authority (GLA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The event sought to encourage a culture of reading and improve literacy levels among students nationwide. Under the theme “Reading Treasures: Uncovering Hidden Riches,” the festival brought together a variety of activities designed to celebrate the power of books, including reading and spelling contests, speeches, poetry recitations, and cultural performances.

The grand finale of the festival saw the participation of educators, parents, government officials, primary school pupils, and literacy advocates from across the country. At the closing ceremony, Greater Accra’s Regional Education Director, Stephen Abamfo, gave an inspiring speech about the transformative nature of reading. He described reading as not just an academic task but as an adventure that opens doors to new worlds and perspectives.

“When we open a book, we are not merely reading words; we are embarking on an adventure that takes us to different realms,” Abamfo stated. He emphasized that books hold “hidden treasures,” offering valuable lessons in culture, history, and humanity. In his address, he encouraged young readers to explore various genres and dig deep into these “treasures” to enrich their lives and understanding of the world.

Dr. Ivy Asantewa Owusu, the Eastern Regional Education Director, also shared her insights on the importance of reading. She stressed that a solid foundation in reading and comprehension was crucial for success in all areas of learning. “If a child cannot read and comprehend effectively, their learning foundation is compromised. This is true for every subject, including mathematics and science,” Dr. Owusu remarked. Her comments highlighted the need for students to develop strong literacy skills to excel across a broad range of subjects.

The importance of reading was further underlined by findings from a 2023 survey conducted by West Africa for Worldreader, which revealed that only seven percent of students in Ghana had books at home for recreational or academic reading. This statistic points to a significant challenge in terms of access to reading materials and the need for efforts to increase the availability of books in homes and schools across the country.

The National Reading Festival provided a platform to not only celebrate the joy and benefits of reading but also to address some of the challenges that hinder young people’s access to books. The event served as a call to action for government bodies, educators, and communities to continue working together to improve literacy rates and ensure that more children are equipped with the tools needed to succeed in education and life.

The festival’s closing ceremony was a reminder of the power of reading in shaping young minds and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. The event reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, and their partners to continue advocating for improved literacy in the country.

With initiatives like the National Reading Festival, the hope is to inspire future generations to embrace the joys of reading, unlocking a world of knowledge and personal growth. The support of various stakeholders, including parents and educators, will be essential in ensuring that the benefits of reading are accessible to all students, regardless of their backgrounds.

As the festival concluded, the focus shifted to the future, with organizers and participants alike hopeful that such events would continue to inspire and empower the next generation of readers and leaders in Ghana.