Gov't Distributes 100M Exercise Books To 4.7M Pupils

The government has distributed a total of 100 million exercise books to schools throughout the country, Deputy Information Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu has stated. According to him, the books which were allocated to basic schools from 2010 to date, formed part of the 'Free exercise books' project being undertaken to improve upon the quality of teaching and learning in the country. In all, 4.7 million pupils from basic schools have benefited so far. It is projected that 10 million books will be supplied freely to pupils nationwide by the end of this year, to augment the 32 million that was distributed in 2013, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu disclosed on weekly news analysis programme, Newsfile on Joy FM and Joy News TV, Saturday. This is to address the issue of inadequacy of books in schools which have gravely affected the quality of teaching and learning over the years. A recent study by the Ghana Education Service for instance, put the ratio of availability of text books to 1:3 pupils at the public basic schools. The Deputy Minister however, said through rigorous efforts the trend has seen a reversal as each pupil now has access to not less than four text books. He said work is ongoing to replace schools under trees with modern structures to make teaching and learning more comfortable. "It is a very, very good indication of quality education. You cannot think of quality education if our children continue to study under trees," he stated.