Cultivate reading habit, youth told

By Christabel Oboshie ANNAN, Accra

THE Eastern Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service, Dr. Ivy Asantewaa Owuswaa, has called on Ghanaian youth to cultivate the habit of reading, describing it as a pathway to personal growth and societal development.

Speaking at this year’s National Reading Festival under the theme, “Reading Treasures: Uncovering Hidden Riches,” she likened books to treasures that open doors to new worlds, ideas, and opportunities for young minds.

She noted the transformative power of books and knowledge, urging young people to see reading as more than a hobby but as a gateway to understanding, empathy, and imagination.

She explained that reading diverse stories allows young people to step into others’ lives and experiences, which broadens their perspectives and strengthens their emotional intelligence.

She underscored the immense value of reading as a journey to uncover knowledge, imagination, and inspiration, likening books to treasures that unlock profound wisdom and creativity.

“Imagine standing before a treasure trove filled with jewels and artifacts from distant lands, each book is a map that guides us closer to wisdom and creativity.” she said.

Dr. Ivy Asantewaa Owuswaa noted the importance of access to resources, diverse libraries, trained educators, and literacy programmes.

She expressed a vision of schools and communities becoming hubs of literacy where children could feel inspired to explore and discover hidden literary riches.

She encouraged students, teachers, and parents to become “treasure hunters” by making reading an exciting and community-oriented activity.

She suggested organizing reading challenges, creating community book exchanges, and hosting storytelling nights.

“Let us turn our neighborhoods into vibrant hubs of literacy,” she declared, “where every child feels inspired to uncover the treasures within books.” She added.

The Eastern Regional Director urged the audience to seek out the hidden riches within books with curiosity and passion, setting the stage for a future where young people embrace reading as a lifelong adventure.

The Greater Accra Regional Director of Education, Stephen Abamfo, noted the importance of encouraging children to explore a variety of literary genres, highlighting the unique benefits that diverse reading habits bring to young minds.

He underscored how exposure to different genres—ranging from fiction and poetry to history and science—can help children discover “unique treasures” that enrich their knowledge, creativity, and emotional intelligence.

He urged parents, teachers, and guardians to support young learners in broadening their reading choices to foster a lifelong love for literature.

“Books are gateways to worlds beyond our own, and each genre offers children a distinct way of seeing and understanding,

“By reading widely, children can build better vocabularies, develop empathy, and become more critical thinkers,” he stated.

Director of Education at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Rasheena Reid, emphasized the transformative power of reading for children, noting that a commitment to reading will not only empower young learners but also contribute significantly to Ghana’s development.

She highlighted that the reading festival is more than a competition; it serves as a platform to showcase growth, progress, and opportunity for the nation’s youth.

She pointed out that events like these foster a culture of literacy, encouraging children to see reading as a pathway to personal and national advancement. “Through reading, children can unlock new worlds, build critical thinking skills, and become equipped to drive Ghana’s future,” she added.