New numerals and mathematical symbols invented

Development Concern Centre (DCC), a Tamale-based NGO has invented numerals and signs to aid effective teaching and learning to complement government’s effort towards reducing illiteracy in the country.

The new numeral research which had been verified and certified by the University of Education-Winneba when adopted by the country’s educational system could make counting and numbering easier in the various local dialects.

Speaking at a ceremony to christen a book on the initiative, Mr Amadu Hudu, Director of DCC said research on the new numerals commenced 18 years ago and if given the needed support could facilitate speedy development as well as encourage the study of mathematics nationwide.

The ten-page book shows the new numerals starting from zero to one hundred and various mathematic signs, while simple mathematical problems such as five minus two had been solved.

Students from the Ghana Secondary School and their teachers demonstrated how they could be used in calculation. Most people who took part in the test demonstration said it was easier than the orthodox figures currently in use.

Mr Hudu said countries such as Germany, Japan and China could not have developed if not for the adoption and nationalisation of critical inventions such as this.

“Our market women who could not even read the missionary numerals understood and used the new numeral effectively during the various demonstrations because they were less difficult to understand,” he said.

Mr Hudu said the Centre would continue to do more novelty research to come out with many initiatives to improve upon the nation’s educational system and facilitate development in the country.

Zangbalum- Bomahe Naa Amadu, Director of the Northern Region Population Council commended the NGO and called on government to adopt the new numerals and give it the needed support to scale it up.

He said the self explanatory nature of the numerals would help the about 71% of females in the region who could not read and write.