Akim Oda (E/R), Sept. 12, GNA - A Municipal Director of the Non-Formal Education Division (NFED) of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, has said that, much had been achieved by the nation through the use of adult education as a tool for national development. He however, observed that adult education institutions could not afford to be complacent, if they were to remain relevant to national aspirations in the coming years.

Mr Bruce Amoako, Birim Central Municipal Director of NFED defined adult education as "learning, which can immediately render benefit to adults in every field of endeavour". The Director told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Akim Oda in the Eastern Region on Friday that distance based education reaches more people who eagerly wanted to learn than conventional approaches. Mr Bruce stated that there "was a need to focus on taking the necessary steps that would enable us to take advantage of what others have done in relation to distance education and build upon it". He said Ghana needed to focus on the implementation of a broader distance learning programme, to enable wider access to all Ghanaians who are capable of taking advantage of the opportunities offered. Mr Amoako said the nation needs to focus on some key programme areas and activities to be able to achieve its own special market niche. "These include programmes to support adult literacy, poverty eradication, entrepreneurial skills, environmental education and civil awareness", he noted.

Others are; "programmes for artisans and the professions, as well as programmes aimed at formalising the informal sector to harness their immense potential for national development". "All programmes would require that providers of adult education must themselves update their skills, so as to provide useful knowledge and skills for their clientele", the Director added. Mr Amoako urged practitioners of adult education to be proactive in identifying new and radical modes of funding their work, since they could no longer rely on traditional sources of funding. Mr Amoako emphasized constant upgrading of skills through lifelong learning approach to education and training.