Accra: Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has called for a coordinated national effort to revive the reading culture among Ghanaian children and young people. She emphasized the need for all stakeholders, including parents, schools, publishers, writers, and creative industry players, to work collaboratively to foster a lifelong love for reading and position books as vital tools for national development.
According to Ghana News Agency, during a courtesy call by the leadership of the Ghana International Book Fair (GIBF), Madam Gomashie underscored the importance of stronger collaboration and sustained partnerships to enhance the impact of literacy initiatives across the country. She encouraged institutions and organizations involved in promoting literature, education, and culture to work more closely and urged the GIBF to align its activities with other book-related events and initiatives to foster long-term partnerships across the creative ecosystem.
Madam Gomashie stated, "I believe each domain depends on the other, and working in silos will not be to our benefit." She noted that greater collaboration among stakeholders would strengthen Ghana's cultural and literary landscape while inspiring more children and young people to embrace reading.
In his remarks, Mr. Ernest Oppong, President of the GIBF, who led the delegation, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to promoting literacy and preserving Ghana's literary heritage through educational programs, book exhibitions, and reading promotion activities. He emphasized the GIBF's dedication to working with the Ministry to promote literacy, strengthen Ghana's reading culture, and advance the country's cultural development agenda.
Mr. Oppong also highlighted some challenges facing the organization of the annual Ghana International Book Fair and appealed for increased collaboration and support to sustain the initiative. He commended the Ministry for revising the National Cultural Policy, describing it as a significant step toward promoting Ghana's cultural and creative industries.