Stakeholder have called for sustained investment in adult education to empower more women with literacy and vocational skills.
According to them, literacy was more than reading and writing, saying it equips people to understand health information, manage finances, support their children's education, access government services, embrace technology and make informed decisions.
The stakeholders made the call at a graduation ceremony organised by Women's Trust, an NGO that supports women financially.
Speaking at the ceremony at Pokuase in Accra, the Chairman of the event, Samuel Gyabah, commended Women's Trust for giving women who missed out on formal education a second chance to learn.
"Society likes to put age limitations on people, but this initiative has given women who did not have the opportunity to go to school when they were younger another chance to acquire education and skills," he said.
Mr Gyabah congratulated the graduates, saying their achievement represented the beginning of a new journey rather than the end of one.
"Every progress begins with a step. We push people who make the effort. May God help you as you begin this new chapter," he said.
Decade of impact
The Executive Director of Women's Trust, Kafui Duho, said the anniversary marked a decade of transforming lives through literacy, learning and empowerment.
He explained that the programme, named “Akwanya” which means "pathway", was established with the belief that every individual, regardless of age or background, deserved the opportunity to read, write, communicate confidently and improve their quality of life.
"Over the past decade, hundreds of adult learners have walked through this pathway. They have gained literacy skills in English and local languages, developed confidence to engage more fully with their families and communities, and acquired practical vocational skills that have enhanced their livelihoods," he said.
Livelihoods
The Assembly Member for the Pokuase Electoral Area, Evans Ashaley, praised Women's Trust for combining education with vocational training.
He observed that many women in the past were encouraged to learn only a trade without receiving formal education.
"This free training gives women the opportunity to learn, sew their own clothes, make beads and acquire other skills that provided a source of income for themselves and their families," he said.
Education has no age limit
Delivering a motivational address to the graduates, a facilitator, Maxwell Boevi Adotei, reminded them that their success proved it was never too late to learn.
"When we first met, some of you could not sign your names. Some of you were afraid to speak in front of others and believed you were too old for school.
Today you can read a letter, count your market money, fill forms at the hospital or bank and proudly say, 'I wrote this myself.' That is freedom," he said.
He urged the graduates to continue reading, teach others what they had learnt and remain confident, stressing that they had become ambassadors of lifelong learning.
Support
The Pokuase Djanman Kyidomhemaa, Naa Dede Ayaba I, said she had witnessed the programme's progress over the years and was convinced of its effectiveness.
She pledged her continuous support to Women's Trust, saying the knowledge acquired by the women would positively influence their children and families.
The Municipal Director of the Complementary Education Agency for Ga Central, Rebecca Aryee, described the anniversary theme, "Learning without Limits, Growing without Boundaries," as timely.
She encouraged the graduates to use their knowledge to improve their lives and serve as ambassadors of literacy within their communities.
