Dr Clement Apaak, the Deputy Minister of Education, has expressed concern over Ghana’s 30.2% illiteracy rate, describing it as a major challenge for the country’s development.

He assured that the government is implementing interventions to tackle the issue.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, at the 58th International Literacy Day celebration in Tamale on Monday, September 8, 2025, Dr Apaak noted that while Ghana’s literacy rate of 69.8% is commendable, a significant portion of the population is still unable to read and write.

“Many citizens are still behind the optimal line of illiteracy. The illiteracy rate of 30.2% is a cause of worry to the Government,” he said.

The celebration was held at the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Hall under the theme of education as a driver of national development.

Dr Apaak, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Builsa South, emphasised that education is an indispensable tool for national development.

He cautioned that illiteracy limits citizens’ ability to participate in Ghana’s growing digital economy.

“Illiteracy has crowded out sections of citizens from exploring and exploiting opportunities within their space,” he said.

The Deputy Minister highlighted several initiatives aimed at reducing what he called “learning poverty,” including;

Communities of Excellence Programme (CEP)

Complementary Basic Education (CBE)

National Standardized Test (NST)

Dr Apaak acknowledged challenges facing the Complementary Education Agency (CEA), which was established to provide literacy opportunities for out-of-school populations.

He revealed that staffing shortages and administrative delays have hindered its operations, with the agency currently operating with just over 1,700 staff instead of the required 6,000.

“The Legislative Instrument (LI) needed for the agency’s full operations is still outstanding. This has delayed recruitment and funding. We will expedite action to address these bottlenecks,” he said.

Dr Apaak stressed that transforming Ghana’s education sector requires collaboration between government and non-state actors.

“With the right commitment from all partners, Ghana can create a great story of literacy transformation,” he concluded.