Igniting Passion for Reading: A Memorable Day at the Sophia Boadi Readathon Festival

On April 5, 2025, the TLPCI Auditorium in Kasoa buzzed with excitement as educators, students, and community leaders gathered for the Sophia Boadi Readathon Festival and Awards.

This event celebrated the transformative power of reading and literacy, highlighting their vital role in shaping Ghana’s future.

The festival was launched by Edmon Moukala, the Country Representative for UNESCO Ghana.

With over 3,000 students in attendance, he commended the organizers for their visionary work in putting together 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 goes beyond mere 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 linking us to the past, enriching our understanding of the present, and empowering us to shape the future.

He concluded by urging students to embrace reading regularly: “I invite you to do one concept, one book, one time,” encouraging each student to read one book a month and share their reflections.

His call to action energized the young audience, fostering excitement about personal growth through reading.

Following Moukala, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), spoke on the critical role literacy plays in 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, highlighted 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 emphasized 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 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 sparked a collective passion for knowledge and education.

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

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