By Emelia B. Addae
Koforidua, Feb. 9, GNA – The Eastern Regional branch of the Ghana Library Authority (GhLA), in partnership with the New Juaben South Municipal Education Directorate, has launched a literacy initiative dubbed “Friday Morning Reading” for basic schools in the municipality.
The project aims to make reading part of pupils’ weekly routine and provide access to a wide range of reading materials every Friday morning through the Mobile Library Service.
Mr Dziblim Alhassan Betintiche, the Executive Director of the Ghana Library Authority, said “reading is the foundation of lifelong learning, imagination, human capital, and national development.”
He said research conducted in 1980 by the British Council and the GhLA showed that literacy levels in Ghana had declined due to the absence of a strong reading culture among children.
“Across the world, strong literacy skills are directly linked to academic success, critical thinking, confidence and lifelong opportunities. Yet, we all acknowledge that cultivating a strong reading culture among children requires intentional effort,” he said.
Mr Betintiche said consistent exposure to books and guided reading would help children build vocabulary, improve comprehension and strengthen their interest in learning.
He urged teachers to make the project “lively, inclusive and inspiring,” noting that “your enthusiasm, guidance, and encouragement will shape how pupils experience reading.”
He said the success of the project would be assessed not only through improved literacy scores but also through the development of confident children who think critically and build lasting relationships with books.
Mr Mustapha Haruna Appiah, the New Juaben South Municipal Education Director, reminded pupils that every book opened was a door unlocked.
“When we invest in reading and our library, we invest in curiosity, opportunity, and the future of our communities,” he said.
Pupils from Koforidua Presbyterian Basic Schools, Nana Kwaku Boateng Basic School and Calvary Academy, among others, attended the ceremony, which included musical book activities, reading and spelling sessions.
Citations and certificates were presented to the Best Student Patrons of the Library, 2025; Best Schools that patronised the Mobile Library Service in 2025; and the Most Institution Advocate.
In a related development, the Executive Director of the GhLA and the Eastern Regional Director of the Authority, Mr Evans Korletey‑Tene, inaugurated a refurbished library at Asokore.
Mr Betintiche outlined ongoing initiatives in the region, noting that they would positively influence foundational learning once completed.
The initiatives include the construction of a modern community library at Kukurantumi, the establishment of libraries for clusters of basic schools, and the training of school librarians.
Others are providing technical support to schools, donating children’s reading materials, and offering digital skills training.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/ Christabel Addo