The wife of the Vice President of Ghana, Samira Bawumia, has commended the Kanéval initiative by Perbi Cubs for its efforts in promoting a culture of reading among pupils.

This initiative, inspired by the Ga word ‘Kanemɔ’, meaning 'read', and the English word ‘Carnival’, has been instrumental in driving a love for reading in basic schools.

Kanéval, which was part of UNESCO’s Accra World Book Capital 2023 programme, was a year-long campaign aimed at fostering a habit of reading for fun among children across the country. One of its key strategies was the establishment of digital libraries in both public and private basic schools, ensuring that reading materials were readily available and accessible.

In a speech read on her behalf at the closing ceremony of UNESCO’s Accra World Book Capital, 2023, Samira Bawumia praised Kanéval for its transformative impact on young minds, turning them into avid readers and enthusiasts.

She highlighted the significance of initiatives like Kanéval in nurturing a generation of well-read and informed citizens, essential for the socio-economic development of the nation.

“Initiatives like the Kanéval campaign by Perbi Cubs, Know Your Mother Tongues organised at the Makola Market, and the Zongo Read Project at Maamobi Community Gale Library foster a love for reading within the community. The international literacy celebration in Kumasi brought people together to highlight the importance of reading and writing,” she indicated.

She also added that the distribution of over 10,000 books through programmes like the Books-to-Go Projects and the African Story Box Project has not only increased access to stories but ignited the passion for reading.

Samira Bawumia further assured that the government, in collaboration with the private sector, will continue to explore the creation of a reading and creative writing facility in Accra to foster a culture of reading and writing while promoting socio-economic growth and addressing unemployment in vulnerable communities in Greater Accra and beyond.

Also, the Mayor of Accra, Elizabeth Naa Sackey, expressed her support for the promotion of literacy in the country.

She revealed that a 5-acre land at Mamprobi Sempe has been earmarked for the construction of the Accra World Book Capital (AWBC) legacy project. The initiative is aimed at further enhancing literacy and educational opportunities for all.

The Chief Director at the Education Ministry, Mamle Andrews, representing the sector minister, acknowledged the progress made in promoting a reading nation.

She highlighted the distribution of reading materials to schools and communities across 12 municipalities in the Accra, Central, and Ashanti regions, underscoring the government's commitment to improving literacy nationwide.

UNESCO commended Ghana for its efforts in establishing a solid foundation for literacy and reaching out to marginalised groups, including women, street children, and persons living with disabilities. The organisation emphasised the importance of inclusivity in literacy initiatives to ensure that everyone has equal access to education and knowledge.

As Accra’s tenure as the world book capital draws to a close, there is optimism that the momentum created by initiatives like Kanéval will continue to inspire a culture of reading and learning across Ghana. Once ignited, the flame of literacy has the power to illuminate minds and transform societies for generations to come.