“EDUCATION MINISTRY URGED TO IMPLEMENT NATIONAL READING POLICY”

Story by Fada Amakye

The Ministry of Education is being encouraged to adopt a national reading policy to help build stronger reading habits among children. Speaking to the media, the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Publishers Association, Benjamin Tawiah Klu, said such a policy should target the pre-tertiary level to make reading a daily part of school life. He emphasized that this would help children develop a love for reading and improve their literacy skills.

Klu also called for more children’s books to be translated into local languages, especially those on wildlife, so that young readers can easily identify and understand the names of local animals. He stressed that this would help promote local culture and heritage, and also make learning more relevant and engaging for children.

Benjamin Klu made these remarks at the launch of the book “Let’s Discover Wildlife in Ghana”. The event was aimed at promoting wildlife conservation and education in Ghana, and featured presentations and discussions on the importance of preserving the country’s natural heritage.

The Chief Executive Officer of Adwinsa Publications, Kwaku Oppong Amponsah, warned that some of Ghana’s wildlife species are gradually disappearing. He pointed to animals such as chimpanzees, elephants, and hippopotamus as examples and urged stronger action to preserve them for future generations.

Amponsah emphasized that wildlife conservation is essential for maintaining the balance of nature and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s ecosystems. He called on the government, civil society, and individuals to work together to protect the country’s wildlife and natural resources.

The launch of the book “Let’s Discover Wildlife in Ghana” is a step towards promoting wildlife conservation and education in Ghana. The book aims to educate children about the country’s wildlife and the importance of conservation, and is expected to be a valuable resource for schools and parents.

The Ghana Publishers Association is committed to promoting reading and literacy in Ghana, and is working with stakeholders to develop a national reading policy. The association is also promoting the translation of children’s books into local languages, and encouraging authors to write about local themes and issues.

Overall, the call for a national reading policy and the preservation of wildlife highlights the importance of education and conservation efforts in Ghana. The Ministry of Education is expected to consider the proposal for a national reading policy, which could have a positive impact on the country’s education sector.