Education Minister: 62% of Primary 2 Students Struggle with Reading, Calls for Trained Education Leaders

In a recent announcement, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister of Education in Ghana, highlighted the pressing issue of low literacy rates among primary school students. Speaking at the launch of the National Education Leadership Institute (NELI) in Takoradi, Dr. Adutwum revealed that a study conducted in 2022 by the National Standardized Test indicated that a staggering 62% of primary 2 pupils in the country were unable to read. This situation, he noted, was even worse in 2015.

Dr. Adutwum expressed his concern over these findings, emphasizing the need for purposefully trained education leaders who are dedicated to improving learning outcomes. He stressed that Ghana’s education system should no longer rely solely on apprenticeship-produced leadership but should instead focus on nurturing leaders who are passionate about educational achievements.

The Minister highlighted the efforts made by the government to address the issue, mentioning that in 2015, only 2% of primary 2 students demonstrated reading proficiency. However, with increased investment and resources, the government was able to administer the National Standardized Test to all primary 2 students in 2022. The test results revealed that 38% of students had acquired reading skills, an improvement from previous years. Nevertheless, Dr. Adutwum expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that a majority, 62%, still struggled with reading.

To address this critical challenge, Dr. Adutwum emphasized the importance of cultivating a new generation of education leaders who prioritize learning outcomes. He highlighted the need for effective school leadership and drew attention to the success of Wesley Girls’ High School as an example to follow. The Minister introduced the National Education Leadership Institute (NELI) as a platform to train and equip aspiring leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive positive change in Ghana’s education system.

Dr. Adutwum concluded by acknowledging the value of apprenticeship but stressed the importance of combining it with formal education and understanding the specific dynamics that contribute to successful schools in Ghana.

The revelation of the low reading proficiency rates among primary 2 students by the Education Minister has sparked a call to action to address the issue and create a brighter future for Ghana’s education system.