Akim Oda (E/R), Nov. 11, GNA - Mr. Bruce Amoako, Municipal Director of the Non-Formal Education Division (NFED) of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, has stated that the nation had achieved much in the use of adult education as a tool for national development. Mr Amoako however, observed that adult education institutions could not afford to be complacent, if they were to remain relevant to national aspirations in the coming years. The Birim Central Municipal Director of NFED, who spoke in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Akim Oda in the Eastern Region at the weekend, defined adult education as "learning, which can immediately render benefit to adults in every field of endeavour". The Director stressed that distance based education reaches more people who eagerly wanted to learn than conventional approaches. Mr Amoako stated that there was a need to focus on taking the necessary steps that will enable us to take advantage of what others have done in relation to distance education and build upon it. He said Ghana needed to focus on the implementation of a broader offering of distance learning programme, to enable wider access to all Ghanaians who were capable of taking advantage of the opportunities offered.

Mr Amoako said the nation needed to focus on some key programme areas and activities to be able to achieve its own special market niche. "These include programmes to support adult literacy, poverty eradication, entrepreneurial skills, environmental education and civil awareness," he noted. 11 Nov. 08