The Afram Publications Limited has marked this year’s International Mother Language Day with a reading session for pupils of the Theorose School in Accra.

The programme was aimed to encourage pupils and schools to embrace and take pride in reading and speaking their local languages.

Basic Two and Four pupils took part in the reading session and they read a storybook published by Afram Publications titled, Suma Went Walking in both Twi and Ga.

Facilitators assisted the pupils to go through the texts, then invited them to read selected passages aloud.

Although some pupils initially struggled with pronunciation, many gradually built their confidence and read fluently, to the applause of their classmates.

International Mother Language Day, celebrated globally on February 21, was proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to promote linguistics, cultural diversity, and multilingual education.

The day emphasises the importance of mother tongue-based education, especially in the early years, as it improves understanding and academic performance.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Marketing at the Afram Publications Limited, Dr Kwabena Ekremet, said the programme was organised to help schoolchildren develop an interest in reading books written in Ghanaian languages and to encourage schools and parents to provide them with such books.

“We have so many languages in Ghana, yet we turn to focus mainly on foreign languages. Our local languages are very important because they connect us and help us identify with our culture,” he said.

He noted that language could instantly connect people, foster a sense of identity and build connections even in unfamiliar environments and across borders.

“I once travelled outside Ghana and met someone in a place where I did not expect to meet a Ghanaian. When she saw me, she greeted me in my local language. When I responded, we both got excited. The connection reminded me of how powerful language is,” he recounted.

Dr Ekremet added that the company selected schools that regularly patronise its books to host the programme each year, and this year, the Theorose School was fortunate to host the event.

“The school patronises our storybooks. So we thought it was a good idea to come here and hold this programme. From what I am seeing, they are becoming interested in our local language books as well,” he added.

Suma Went Walking , the storybook used for the reading session, has been published in English, French, Ga, Twi, and Ewe, while the Dagari and Dagbani versions are available online.

As part of the celebration, Afram Publications donated copies of the storybook to the school and pledged to supply additional books free of charge.