Students from the Ledzokuku South Circuit have emerged overall winners of the maiden inter-circuit Ga Language Reading Festival organised by the Ledzokuku Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES), in a closely contested competition aimed at promoting indigenous language learning and cultural preservation.
The circuit secured 365.5 points to clinch first place, narrowly edging out Ledzokuku West Circuit, which scored 365 points, while Ledzokuku North Circuit placed third with 357 points. Ledzokuku Central Circuit finished fourth with 319 points.
The competition, held at Teshie in the Greater Accra Region on Thursday, February 12, brought together pupils from lower primary, upper primary and junior high school levels, marking the first time such a comprehensive Ga language literacy festival has been organised in the municipality.
Renewed call to revive the Ga language
The Greater Accra Regional Director of Education, Mrs Hajia Katumi Natogmah Attah, used the occasion to call for urgent and coordinated efforts to preserve and promote the Ga language, warning that its continued survival depends on deliberate action by educators, families and traditional authorities.
In a speech delivered on her behalf by the Regional Cultural Coordinator, Mr Desmond Ali Gasanga, she urged stakeholders to take practical steps to strengthen the use of the language in schools and homes.
She appealed to all stakeholders to support the Ghana Education Service and the Ga Traditional Council in putting in place the right strategies to expand the acceptability of the language through hearing, speaking, and writing in the region and beyond.
Mrs Attah stressed that language is central to cultural identity and national heritage and must be protected through structured teaching and daily use.
Learners tested in reading, spelling and oral skills
The festival, organised by the Culture Unit of the Ledzokuku Municipal Education Directorate, was held under the theme “Our Language, Our Identity: Sustaining Ga Heritage for Future Generations”.
Participants were assessed based on their academic level and proficiency in the language.
Lower and upper primary pupils were tested in reading comprehension, spelling and word formation, while junior high school contestants faced more rigorous challenges, including oral skills, translation, grammar and reading comprehension.
Education authorities say the initiative forms part of broader national efforts to strengthen literacy in Ghanaian languages and ensure young learners develop competence in both indigenous and foreign languages.
Winners rewarded for excellence
For their outstanding performance, Ledzokuku South Circuit received a trophy, certificates and products from sponsors, including Promasidor Ghana Ltd. The remaining circuits were also recognised with trophies of varying sizes, certificates and sponsor packages.
Officials noted that the narrow margin between the top two circuits reflected the high level of preparation and competitiveness among the contestants.
Education officials praise initiative
The Ledzokuku Municipal Director of Education, Mrs Theresa Tetteh, commended participating schools, teachers and organisers for delivering a successful and highly competitive event.
She expressed satisfaction with the discipline displayed throughout the competition.
She thanked all the circuits for the training offered to the contestants, which led to such a closely contested event.
Mrs Tetteh added that the peaceful conduct of contestants and supporters contributed significantly to the event’s success and pledged continued support for educational and cultural initiatives in the municipality.
Parents urged to promote Ga language at home
The Cultural Officer at the Ledzokuku Municipal Education Directorate, Madam Rebecca Ablorh, emphasised the critical role families play in language preservation.
She urged parents to embrace the Ga Language and teach their children at home.
She also expressed appreciation to sponsors, school authorities and individuals whose support made the event possible, and reaffirmed her commitment to promoting Ga language learning among younger generations.
Cultural preservation through education
The Ga language, one of Ghana’s major indigenous languages, is predominantly spoken in the Greater Accra Region and forms a vital part of the cultural identity of the Ga people.
Education authorities say initiatives such as the reading festival are essential in reversing declining usage trends and strengthening cultural continuity.
They expressed optimism that the competition would become an annual event and inspire similar programmes across other districts to promote indigenous language learning nationwide.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com
