This study describes efforts by the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) to promote literacy among six language groups of northern Ghana during the years 1972-1979. The report is organized into three parts. Part I provides general background for an understanding and evaluation of what took place. It first describes the national and local setting of the language groups. This is followed by an introduction to SIL, its aims and methods, and a summary of the historical development of the project. A discussion of some factors that are of importance in understanding the project's rationale concludes this part of the study. Part II gives particulars of the way the literacy programs have worked out for each language group. Summary information is provided concerning the organization and development, personnel, classes, materials, problems, and results in each case. Part III assesses the degree of success or failure that the project has had and identifies key elements contributing to these results. Its positive effects from a developmental point of view are noted and discussed. Suggestions for possible improvements are also made, and the implications of the project are considered, both for SIL and for the nation of Ghana. (Author/KC)