MP for Akatsi South Reaffirmed Commitment to Quality Education
The Member of Parliament for Akatsi South Constituency in the Volta Region, Hon Bernard Ahiafor, has reaffirmed his commitment to invest more in the education sector in the area.
According to him, education is the bedrock of development, hence his commitment to support every activity that sought to improve quality education in the constituency.
The MP made the statement for the 2023 Reading Festival organized by the Akatsi South Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Services last week.
He said he would continue to offer support to the Municipal Directorate to provide quality education, especially the reading habits of pupils in the constituency.
“Let’s make reading a daily habit. Embrace the joy of exploring a book and witness how it can light up our minds and lives. Moreover, reading develops critical thinking skills. When we read, we interpret the text, analyze the characters, and evaluate the plot. We reflect upon the ideas presented, draw conclusions, and form opinions. These are essential skills not only for academics but for our everyday life,” the MP said.
Hon Ahiafor said he was committed to spending more resources in the education sector because education made him to be where he is today, adding that, his communities could only achieve holistic education if the pupils cultivate the habit of reading to attain skills that could help them stand in society.
Below is the Full Speech
SPEECH DELIVERED BY HON. BERNARD AHIAFOR, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR AKATSI SOUTH CONSTITUENCY, THE GUEST SPEAKER FOR THE 2023 READING FESTIVAL – AKATSIUSOUTH MUNICIPALITY.
Mr. Chairman, the Municipal Director of Education, the Circuit Supervisors, the Headteachers, the program heads, teachers, my dear pupils, the Media Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning! It is an honour and my pleasure to stand before you on this very significant and imperative reading festival, 2023 and to discuss a program very dear to my heart on the theme “Read to Learn; Learn to Read”
Let me commence by recognizing the efforts of the Municipal Director of Education and the program Organisers for coordinating the 2023 reading festival on the theme “Read to Learn; Learn to Read” which I considered very suitable, appropriate, apt and timely. And to the participants, I say congratulations, Ayeekooo.
We are all gathered here this morning for the Inter Circuits Reading Festival for Basic Schools in Akatsi South Municipality with the aim of enhancing literacy among pupils in English language used in many disciplines and fields, and on the other, a celebration of skills and competencies in decoding printed and written messages. Being literate simply means the ability to read, write, speak and listen in a way that lets us communicate effectively and efficiently and make sense of the world. It is my view and general knowledge that the ability to read and comprehend what is read is the gateway to being literate so today I stand before you to discuss reading as a skill and its importance thereof.
Reading is a skill, a skill that is developed over time. I must say that we should engage ourselves in continuous reading in order for us to develop this skill. Reading opens our minds and hearts to new ideas from diverse and dissimilar perspectives. Reading takes us to new places and dimensions. Reading allows us to communicate effectively and efficiently with others. Reading then is a key to our future.
I believe in the transformative power of books and reading, a journey that can broaden horizons, enhance empathy, and ignite imaginations. Reading is a catalyst for critical thinking. It challenges us to analyze, interpret, and reflect upon the world in a different and unique way. Beyond this, reading boosts our understanding and responsiveness as we connect with characters and their circumstances. Reading is a haven, a place where we can retreat from our busy lives and immerse ourselves in a different world. It strengthens our minds, our focus, and our understanding of others. Reading sparks our imagination and introduces us to new ideas. Through books, we travel, learn, and experience life from different perspectives. We gain wisdom, understanding, and empathy. Every page enriches us and broadens our worldview and opens our minds to fantasies and great adventures.
But reading is not just about adventures or fantasy. It is a powerful tool for learning. It introduces us to new concepts, different cultures, diverse perspectives, and a myriad of facts and figures. It helps us understand the world and our place in it. Reading is like having a conversation with the greatest minds of past and present. In short, reading enriches our lives in countless ways. So, I urge each of you to make reading a regular part of your life. As Mark Twain once said, “The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.”
Let’s make reading a daily habit. Embrace the joy of exploring a book and witness how it can light up our minds and lives. Moreover, reading develops critical thinking skills. When we read, we interpret the text, analyze the characters, and evaluate the plot. We reflect upon the ideas presented, draw conclusions, and form opinions. These are essential skills not only for academics but for our everyday life.
Additionally, reading has profound effects on our mental health. It can provide an escape from our day-to-day stresses, allowing us to relax and unwind. It exercises our brain, improves focus and concentration, and even improves empathy by allowing us to step into another person’s shoes. So, I urge all of you to read – not just for grades or assignments but for pleasure, for knowledge, for wisdom, and for growth. Reading is a habit that illuminates the mind and enriches the soul
In the words of Dr. Seuss, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” So, let’s embark on this incredible journey of exploration, discovery, and learning through reading. According to Sasha salimina,” A child who reads will become an adult who thinks”.Therefore, Read to Learn, Learn to Read
More grease to your elbows and I pledge my continuous support to every educational support to the municipality.
Thank you for your attention and here’s to the power of reading!
Source: expressnewsghana.com
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