Ghana to host 2027 Global Literacy Day celebrations

October 22, 2026

1 minute read

Mr Haruna Iddrisu (second from left) receiving the trophy at the event

GHANA has been selected to host the 2027 Global Literacy Day celebrations, following the presentation of a symbolic hosting trophy to the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu.

The trophy, which signifies the country’s acceptance of the responsibility to organise the international event, was first presented to the Acting Executive Director of the Complementary Education Agency (CEA), Daniel Kwesi Ashiamah, at an international literacy event in Mexico.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony in Accra on Monday, Mr Ashiamah said the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) had accepted Ghana’s request to host the 2027 celebration.

He described the selection as an opportunity for the country to showcase its contributions to literacy development on the global stage.

Mr Iddrisu said the event would enable Ghana to demonstrate the progress it had made in providing equitable, inclusive and quality education since independence, while highlighting reforms introduced by successive governments.

He noted that the country’s educational journey, from the administration of its first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, to the present government, had recorded significant achievements, although challenges remained.

The minister directed the ministry’s Chief Director to constitute a planning committee, to be chaired by a deputy minister, to coordinate preparations and engage UNESCO on the international programme.

He said the celebration should be incorporated into the ministry’s 2027 budget, stressing the need for adequate funding and early planning to ensure a successful event.

Mr Iddrisu also proposed a symposium on the theme, “Education in a rapidly changing technological world”, to bring together academics and experts to discuss artificial intelligence, adult literacy, values and other emerging issues shaping education.

He further suggested aligning the celebration with activities marking Ghana’s 70th independence anniversary, with preparations exploring the possibility of holding the event before March 6, 2027.

An Education Specialist at the UNESCO Ghana Office, Prosper Nyavor, said Ghana’s contributions to literacy, including complementary basic education for people who had missed out on formal schooling, had strengthened its case to host the celebration.

BY NELLY QUARCOOPOME

SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS