A Celebration of Literacy and Achievement: Highlights from the Sophia Boadi Readathon Festival

The TLPCI Auditorium in Kasoa was alive with energy on April 5, 2025, as educators, students, and community leaders came together for the much-anticipated Sophia Boadi Readathon Festival and Awards.

This dynamic celebration not only highlighted the importance of reading and literacy but also honored students who excelled in the reading competition, showcasing their remarkable talents and dedication to literature.

The festival kicked off with remarks from Edmon Moukala, the Country Representative for UNESCO Ghana.

With over 3,000 students in attendance, he commended the organizers for their visionary efforts in hosting such a significant event.

“This remarkable turnout speaks volumes about our collective commitment to learning and the promise of a brighter, more educated future,” he stated.

Moukala emphasized that reading is more than just a skill; it serves as a gateway to understanding life’s complexities.

“Through reading, we unlock new knowledge, gain insight into diverse cultures, and challenge our imaginations,” he explained.

He portrayed reading as a bridge connecting us to the past, enriching our understanding of the present, and empowering us to shape the future.

Moukala concluded by urging students to make reading a regular part of their lives. “I invite you to do one concept, one book, one time,” encouraging each student to read one book a month and share their insights.

His challenge energized the young audience, fostering excitement about personal growth through reading.

During the festival, several outstanding students were honored for their impressive achievements in the reading competition.

Their accomplishments were celebrated with certificates, commendations and trophies, inspiring their peers to pursue excellence in reading.

Following Moukala, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), spoke on the critical role of literacy as a tool for empowerment.

“Literacy allows us to understand diverse perspectives and cultures,” he affirmed.

“Through reading, we can travel to distant lands, experience different cultures, and even walk in someone else’s shoes.”

Dr. Wemakor encouraged students to embrace reading as a lifelong companion, exploring various genres to aid their development.

John Armah Tometi, a School Improvement Support Officer representing the Gomoa East Education Directorate, emphasized the essential role of education in shaping future leaders.

Quoting Nelson Mandela, he stated, “Education is the most powerful tool which can be used to change the world,” and urged stakeholders to invest in education and advocate for well-resourced school libraries to boost literacy.

The spirit of the day peaked with a passionate address from Rev. Dr. William Baako, President of the National Union of Private Schools of Ghana.

He underscored reading’s vital role in personal and societal transformation, declaring, “Reading bridges our past, guides our present, and envisions our future.”

Rev. Dr. Baako praised educators and advocates for fostering a culture of reading, stressing the need to ensure every Ghanaian child has access to books.

He fervently called for daily celebrations of reading, reinforcing that literacy is foundational for a brighter future in Ghana.

Sophia Boadi, the founder of the Sophia Boadi Readathon International Foundation, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, acknowledging the vital support from her mother and mentors along her journey.

She passionately articulated her vision for enhancing literacy across Ghana, stating, “Reading is essential for intellectual growth and personal development.

It is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about empowering ourselves and our communities.”

Her fervent call for financial support resonated throughout the auditorium, as she urged philanthropists and dignitaries to invest in the initiative to deepen the culture of reading.

As the festival drew to a close, attendees left inspired and motivated to take action.

Their united commitment to promoting literacy and reading marked the beginning of a movement aimed at empowering future generations.

The Sophia Boadi Readathon Festival not only celebrated the joy of reading but also recognized the achievements of young readers.

Through the impactful words of its speakers and the honor given to competition winners, the event reinforced the importance of community support and funding to sustain literacy initiatives across Ghana.

 

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