Make Reading Clubs compulsory in schools- Prof Ohene-Adu

Prof. Daniel Ohene-Adu, Dean, Faculty of Art, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has suggested that, the formation of Reading Clubs be made compulsory in all schools in the country.

He explained that such clubs would not only enhance reading, which would then facilitate literacy, but it could also facilitate the nation's development as well, and called on the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service and all other stake holders to ensure the formation of such clubs.

Prof. Ohene-Adu said this at the launch of this year's National Book Week at the Department of Publishing Studies (DPS), at KNUST, in Kumasi.

He said there was the need for issues concerning literacy to be given the necessary attention, since literacy could help catapult the socio-economic development of the nation.

Prof. Ohene-Adu challenged students to develop the culture of reading since that was the only way they could acquire knowledge and also urged school authorities to put in place the best programmes to encourage students to make learning their priority.

Mrs Aba Brew-Hammond, former Head of the DPS, speaking on the theme, “Improving Literacy in Ghana- The role of Publishing/Publishers”, called for the industry to be given a boost to support literacy development in the country.

She also suggested the promulgation of a law on a policy on book production for leisure and other materials, which would help authors and publishers to meet the needs of the Ghanaian readers.

Mrs Brew-Hammond urged the Government to put in place a body mandated to check the wholesomeness of published products and where necessary, take them off the shelves.

She appealed to publishers in the country to sponsor DPS to conduct research on vital publishing issues and also make use of the academic section of the DPS to conduct research, to 'grow' policies and find avenues of growth in literacy.

Mrs Brew-Hammond said as trainers of researchers, the DPS could be used on the various Boards, such as Ghana Book Development Council, Ghana Book Publishers Association, Ghana Printers and Paper Converters Association and others, to offer them technical advice.

The former Head of Department said since literacy is essential in the acquisition of all forms of knowledge for living, it should be the concern of all citizens concerned to help in every way, to enhance literacy in society.

Mrs Lucy Ry-Kottoh, Head, DPS in her welcome address, urged practitioners in the publishing industry not to see the week as an annual ceremony but a period for stock taking, to adopt effective measures to improve on their performances

Mr Dominic Twum, President, Ghana Association of Publishing Students and Associates (GAPSA) appealed to publishing firms in the country to engage the services of graduates from DPS to enable them to impact positively on the industry.