He said investing in children's reading habits was an investment in the nation's future, as every child who develops a love for reading has the potential to become a future leader.

Mr Ibrahim made the call at the Atwima Mponua District Reading Festival held at Nyinahin, which brought together pupils from 32 basic schools across the district.

He noted that reading strengthens literacy skills, broadens knowledge, nurtures critical thinking, and inspires children to unlock their full potential while cultivating a lifelong passion for learning.

The DCE urged teachers, parents, pupils, and other stakeholders to encourage children to embrace reading, stressing that building a generation of confident readers and lifelong learners requires a collective effort.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting educational initiatives that empower children with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

"I remain committed to supporting educational initiatives that will empower our children with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing world," he said.

The festival was organised by the Atwima Mponua District Directorate of Education in collaboration with the ISMAT Foundation, a local educational non-governmental organisation founded by Mr Ibrahim to support needy learners in the district and beyond.

Held on the theme, "Turn a Page to Begin a Journey," the event aimed to promote reading and motivate pupils to develop a strong interest in literacy and academic excellence.

All 32 participating pupils from four educational zones received school bags, exercise books, pens, pencils, erasers, mathematical sets, and certificates in recognition of their participation.

Among the winners were Lawal Kwame of Botrampa D/A Basic School and Sadique Bamba of Mpasatia African Faith Preparatory School, who emerged winners in the KG One and KG Two categories respectively.

Alice Fosu, Beatrice Sarfowaa, and Priscilla Agyemang, all from Adiembra Anglican Basic School, won the Basic One, Basic Two, and Basic Three categories respectively.

In the Upper Primary category, Ernest Duah of Mampong Abebrese D/A Basic School, Blessing Sika of Sreso Presbyterian School, and Eric Osei Agyemang of Adiembra Anglican Basic School emerged winners in their respective classes.

The District Director of Education, Ms Ama Adwubi Asafu-Adjaye, commended the DCE for reviving the reading festival, noting that it was the first district-wide event of its kind since 2022, when a similar programme received support from USAID.

She highlighted the district's impressive performance in previous reading competitions, citing Obed Awuku of Mampong Abebrese D/A Basic School, who progressed from the district and regional levels to place second nationally in 2022.

She also mentioned Salam Mohammed of Otaakrom D/A Islamic Basic School, who won the district competition in 2024 and placed fifth among participants from the 16 regions at the national level despite having limited preparation time.

Ms Asafu-Adjaye said these achievements had inspired the Directorate to institutionalise the Reading Festival as an annual event in June and July as part of the district's academic calendar.

She encouraged teachers to continue nurturing pupils' reading abilities to produce more outstanding learners and commended the District Teacher Support Team (DTST) for its dedication and contribution to improving academic performance across the district.