Accra: The Ghana Publishers Association will on Thursday join UNESCO and the global community to commemorate World Book and Copyright Day 2026. The day is being marked on the theme, 'The Joy of Reading.' The annual celebration reminds the world that books are not merely objects of learning, but powerful instruments for education, innovation, cultural expression, and national development. According to Ghana News Agency, adult literacy levels in Ghana have significantly risen from about 58 percent in the year 2000 to over 80 percent by 2020, reflecting sustained investments in education and access. However, national averages do not tell the full story. Reading proficiency challenges persist, particularly among schoolchildren and underserved communities. UNESCO rightly describes literacy as a cornerstone of human empowerment, enabling individuals to access knowledge, participate meaningfully in society, and improve their quality of life. For children, reading strengthens comprehension, vocabulary, and academic performance, stimulates imagination, creativity, and critical thinking, and builds confidence and effective communication skills. Evidence from literacy initiatives in Ghana confirms the transformative power of reading. UNESCO-recognized programs such as Libraries Without Walls have reached thousands of learners and significantly improved reading ability and confidence within a short period. The statement from the Ghana Publishers Association noted that reading is not only a personal asset but also a driver of national development. UNESCO has consistently shown that literacy expands economic opportunities, enhances employability and productivity, and reduces poverty and inequality. In Ghana, community-based literacy programs have contributed directly to socio-economic empowerment, particularly among youth and marginalized groups. Despite gains, significant disparities remain. Illiteracy rates are higher among women and rural populations, and in some communities, access to books and libraries remains severel y limited. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated national action. The Ghana Publishers Association called for increased investment in libraries and reading infrastructure, stronger support for local publishing and book distribution, promotion of reading in Ghanaian languages, and integration of reading for pleasure into school systems. As part of the 2026 World Book and Copyright Day celebrations, the Ghana Publishers Association is committed to collaborating with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and selected schools to organize reading programs, promoting Ghanaian-authored books, advocating policies that strengthen the local book industry, and partnering with stakeholders to expand access to books. Through these efforts, the association seeks to rekindle a national love for reading and ensure that every Ghanaian child experiences its joy and lifelong benefits. Reading is the foundation upon which education, empowerment, and national development are built. The evidence is clear: nations that in vest in reading and literacy build stronger economies, more inclusive societies, and brighter futures. The association calls on the government, educators, parents, publishers, and development partners to work together to promote reading nationwide. On this World Book and Copyright Day, let us recommit ourselves to nurturing a generation of readers, because a reading Ghana is, indeed, a thriving Ghana.
- April 25, 2026
