Ghana faces literacy and numeracy gaps affecting millions

Approximately eight million Ghanaians lack basic literacy and occupational skills, according to data from the Ghana Statistical Service. Daniel Ashiamah, Executive Director of the Complementary Education Agency (CEA), described the situation as deeply worrying and called for urgent action to address the deficit.

The CEA is currently training facilitators across Ghana's ten regions to run adult literacy and skills programs. These programs include hands-on training in vocational areas such as soap-making and the production of cosmetics and cleaning products to bridge educational gaps outside the formal school system.

Additionally, officials from the Ministry of Education are emphasizing the need for evidence-informed decision-making to tackle persistent weaknesses in foundational learning. Through the Ghana Education Evidence and Data Lab (GEEDLab), the ministry aims to utilize research on multilingualism, early reading, and inclusive education to influence policy and classroom practices.