Cape coast: Dr Emmanuel Larbi Mantey, the Programme Director of Inspiring Teachers Ghana, has voiced significant concerns regarding persistent deficiencies in literacy and numeracy skills across the nation. These shortfalls, he pointed out, are primarily due to limited access to quality reading materials and overcrowded classrooms, which impede personalized instruction.
According to Ghana News Agency, these gaps in literacy and numeracy have far-reaching effects on society, hindering cognitive development in children and contributing to economic inequalities and cycles of poverty. Individuals affected by these deficits often face challenges with basic problem-solving, which restricts their job opportunities and civic engagement while burdening Ghana’s workforce with low-skilled labor amidst increasing demands.
Dr Mantey shared these insights during a one-day capacity-building workshop in Cape Coast, aimed at empowering select teachers in the Central Region with improved numeracy and literacy skills. The forum attracted key stakeholders, including School Improvement Support Officers (SISOs), education administrators, and representatives from the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service (GES), and the media.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions that focused on modern teaching methodologies, classroom management, and leveraging technology for inclusive learning. These efforts targeted addressing the persistent challenges of resource shortages and student engagement in both rural and urban schools. The initiative aimed to bridge gaps in professional development for frontline educators, transform under-resourced classrooms into innovative learning hubs, foster collaborative networks among SISOs and administrators, and promote data-driven improvements in schools.
Dr Mantey emphasized that enhancing literacy is crucial for improving overall educational outcomes, boosting critical thinking, and fostering innovation essential for national development. He reiterated Inspiring Teachers’ commitment to rolling out targeted interventions, such as phonics-based workshops and mobile reading libraries, specifically designed for early childhood and primary education stages where these gaps are first identified.
Madam Ruth Annan, the Early Childhood Coordinator for GES in Cape Coast, acknowledged significant improvements in literacy levels across the Metropolis and commended Inspiring Teachers Ghana for its pivotal role. She highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between non-profit organizations and government bodies, which validate data-driven programs yielding measurable gains and inspire scalable models for other regions.
Mildred Ampadu Nyarko, Programmes Officer with GES headquarters, described the progress made by Inspiring Teachers as a vital step towards improving basic education outcomes. This initiative fosters equitable access to quality learning and lays the groundwork for holistic child development, aligning with Ghana’s Sustainable Development Goal on inclusive education.