By Edward Dankwah
Accra, June 18, GNA – Madam Rita Odoley Sowah, the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has commended the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG) for initiating a nationwide exercise book distribution programme aimed at supporting Basic Education and improving learning outcomes among school children.
The Deputy Minister gave the commendation during the launch of the NALAG Exercise Book Distribution Initiative on behalf of the Sector Minister, in Accra.
Held on the theme, “Local Governance for Educational Transformation,” the initiative seeks to provide exercise books to primary school pupils across all 16 regions of the country.
Madam Odoley Sowah described the intervention as a practical demonstration of collective commitment to ensuring that no child was deprived of quality education because of the lack of basic learning materials.
She noted that education remained one of the most powerful instruments for national development and economic transformation, stressing that every investment made in the sector represented an investment in Ghana’s future.
She added: “Although Government had over the years made significant investments in expanding access to education and improving infrastructure and learning outcomes, complementary interventions were needed to address the practical challenges faced by pupils and families at the community level
“In many communities, the inability to afford basic educational materials continues to hinder learning and negatively affect academic performance. For this reason, initiatives such as the NALAG Exercise Book Distribution Initiative are not only relevant but profoundly impactful.”
The Deputy Minister commended the leadership of NALAG for institutionalising the programme as part of its broader social intervention agenda, noting that local governance institutions had an important role to play in promoting human development and social responsibility.
She said local governments were best positioned to understand community needs, mobilise resources and forge partnerships capable of transforming lives through education.
Madam Odoley Sowah, who is also the Member of Parliament for La Dadekototon Constituency, called on corporate institutions, development partners, civil society organisations and individuals to support educational interventions aimed at reducing barriers to learning and creating conducive environments for academic excellence.
She encouraged them to make effective use of the exercise books and remain committed to their studies.
“The future of Ghana rests in your hands. Study diligently, dream boldly and work hard,” she said.
Mr. Alfred Asiedu Adjei, the President of NALAG, described the exercise book distribution programme as a historic milestone for the Association, noting that it marked the first nationwide corporate social responsibility initiative in the NALAG’s nearly five-decade history.
He said the initiative represented a shift in the role of local governance from mere administration to active investment in human development and community transformation.
“We are not simply unveiling exercise books; we are unveiling opportunities, restoring hope and investing in the future of our nation,” he said.
Mr. Asiedu Adjei noted that the more than 300,000 branded exercise books to be distributed to pupils across the 16 regions symbolised hope and opportunity for the country’s future leaders.
He called on corporate organisations and development partners to partner with the NALAG in expanding educational interventions and promoting inclusive local development.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah