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Haruna Iddrisu reports 91% of literate population is aged 15 and below
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The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has revealed that approximately 91% of Ghana’s literate population consists of individuals aged 15 and below. Speaking at the official launch of the Foundational Learning Agenda, the Minister noted that the country's overall literacy rate currently stands at approximately 78%. This statistical highlight underscores a significant demographic concentration of literacy among the nation's youth as the government prepares to implement new long-term educational reforms.
The Foundational Learning Agenda, which is set to run from 2026 through 2040, represents a strategic commitment to improving early education outcomes. Minister Iddrisu emphasized that the government is prioritizing this period to ensure that children acquire essential reading and writing skills at the start of their academic journeys. By focusing on the 2026-2040 timeframe, the Ministry aims to create a sustainable pipeline of literate citizens who can contribute to the nation's future economic and social development.
In addition to the literacy figures, the Minister addressed the ongoing challenge of educational inequality. He reassured the public that the government is dedicated to providing equitable access to education for every child in Ghana, regardless of their location. The Foundational Learning Agenda will specifically target the disparities in quality between urban and rural schools, seeking to harmonize standards and ensure that children in underserved communities are not left behind.
Minister Iddrisu concluded his address by urging stakeholders and the general public to be patient as these foundational changes are implemented. He asserted that meaningful improvements in the educational sector require time to manifest and that the long-term nature of the agenda is necessary for achieving lasting results. The launch marks a key milestone in the government's effort to enhance the quality of primary education and sustain high literacy levels across the country.
