The Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has commended the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG) for launching a nationwide exercise book distribution programme aimed at supporting basic education and improving learning outcomes among school children.
Hon. Odoley Sowah gave the commendation when she launched the NALAG Exercise Book Distribution Initiative on behalf of the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Conference Hall.
Launched under the theme “Local Governance for Educational Transformation,” the initiative seeks to provide more than 300,000 exercise books to primary school pupils across all 16 regions of the country as part of NALAG’s commitment to supporting education through local governance.
Hon. Odoley Sowah mentioned the intervention as a practical demonstration of collective commitment to ensuring that no child is deprived of quality education because of the lack of basic learning materials.
She noted that education remains one of the most powerful instruments for national development and economic transformation, stressing that every investment made in the sector represents an investment in Ghana’s future.
The Deputy Minister acknowledged that although Government has over the years made significant investments in expanding access to education, improving infrastructure and enhancing learning outcomes, complementary interventions are still needed to address the practical challenges confronting pupils and families at the community level.
Local Governments Have Critical Role
The Deputy Minister further appealed to corporate institutions, development partners, civil society organisations and individuals to support educational interventions that reduce barriers to learning and create environments that promote academic excellence, beneficiary pupils, s them to make effective use of the exercise books and remain committed to their education.
“In many communities, the inability to afford basic educational materials continues to hinder learning and negatively affect academic performance. For this reason, initiatives such as the NALAG Exercise Book Distribution Initiative are not only relevant but profoundly impactful.”
Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah
Hon. Odoley Sowah commended the leadership of NALAG for institutionalising the exercise book distribution programme as part of its broader social intervention agenda, noting that local governance institutions have an important role to play in promoting human development and social responsibility.
She said the theme for the initiative reflects the unique position of local governments in understanding community needs, mobilising resources and building partnerships capable of transforming lives through education.
NALAG Describes Initiative as Historic
Earlier, the President of NALAG, Hon. Alfred Asiedu Adjei, described the exercise book distribution programme as a historic milestone for the Association, explaining that it represents the first nationwide corporate social responsibility initiative in NALAG’s nearly five-decade history.
According to him, the initiative signifies a shift in the role of local governance from merely administering communities to actively investing in human development and community transformation.
She disclosed that more than 300,000 branded exercise books will be distributed to pupils across all 16 regions, describing the books as symbols of hope and opportunity for Ghana’s future leaders.
“We are not simply unveiling exercise books; we are unveiling opportunity, restoring hope and investing in the future of our nation”
Hon. Alfred Asiedu Adjei
Supporting Quality Basic Education
The NALAG Exercise Book Distribution Initiative complements government’s efforts to improve access to quality basic education by helping address one of the everyday challenges faced by many pupils, particularly those from low-income households.
Although Ghana has made considerable progress in expanding enrolment under the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) programme and the Free Senior High School policy, stakeholders have consistently noted that many children still struggle to access basic learning materials such as exercise books, textbooks, and writing materials.
Education experts have argued that providing essential learning resources not only improves classroom participation and academic performance but also reduces the financial burden on parents while encouraging regular school attendance.
At the end of the ceremony, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah officially launched the NALAG Exercise Book Distribution Initiative and expressed optimism that the programme would contribute meaningfully to building an educated, prosperous, and inclusive Ghana.
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