Ghana must cultivate reading culture to unlock knowledge economy, says educationist

Ghana cannot build a competitive knowledge economy without a population committed to reading, writing, and critical thinking, according to Reverend Acheampong E. S. Builderman, a theologian and educational consultant who made the call during International Literacy Day observances on September 8.

Rev. Builderman, Missions Director and Lead Pastor of Thanksgiving Place Ministries in Accra, argues that literacy must extend far beyond basic reading and writing skills to encompass the ability to question information, understand history independently, and translate knowledge into meaningful action. He contends that technology, infrastructure, and formal education alone cannot drive national development when large segments of society lack the capacity for deep reading and critical analysis.

Reading as foundation for knowledge and growth

According to Rev. Builderman, reading serves as a fundamental tool for intellectual independence and societal progress. "A reading nation builds a knowledge economy. Reading gives you the capacity to interrogate what you have been told. If we read but do not think, we have only accumulated information. If we think but do not act, knowledge has not yet become transformation," he explained.

He stressed that lifelong learning is essential for personal and national growth. "Education does not end when you leave school. The moment you stop learning, you begin to surrender your capacity to grow," he noted, emphasising that continuous intellectual engagement distinguishes thriving societies from stagnant ones.

Rev. Builderman called on multiple stakeholders to strengthen Ghana's reading culture. Parents should introduce children to books early in their development, schools must prioritise and expand reading programmes, and churches should establish libraries and reading initiatives to make literature accessible to broader communities.

Why it matters for Ghana

Ghana's transition toward a knowledge-based economy requires citizens equipped with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. As the country pursues sustainable development and meaningful participation in the global economy, a population capable of acquiring knowledge, analysing complex problems, and generating innovative ideas becomes critical.

Rev. Builderman's call also carries particular significance for African nations, including Ghana, in relation to historical and contemporary accountability. He argues that Africans must not only understand the continent's complex history but also critically examine how current leaders manage national resources. This capacity for informed scrutiny is essential for holding institutions accountable and ensuring responsible governance.

The educationist's latest book, "Africa Beware: The Chains, the Choice, and the Almighty God Who Sets a Continent Free," explores these themes through the recurring figures of the "steward" and the "thief," examining questions of responsibility and stewardship in the African context.

Building institutional support for literacy

Creating a national reading culture requires coordinated effort across Ghana's social institutions. Educational institutions must move beyond curriculum-based learning to cultivate genuine enthusiasm for reading and critical engagement with texts. Faith-based organisations can play a complementary role by making literature accessible through community libraries and structured reading programmes. Families also bear responsibility for modelling reading habits and creating environments where intellectual curiosity is valued and encouraged.

Rev. Builderman's message aligns with broader African and global recognition that sustainable development depends not simply on economic policies or technological advancement, but on human capital development grounded in strong literacy, analytical capacity, and informed citizenship.