Tourism Minister Calls for Greater Collaboration to Revive Reading Culture
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called on publishers to strengthen collaboration with other players in the creative industry to help revive Ghana’s reading culture, particularly among young people.
She said writers, publishers, musicians, dancers, fashion designers and other creative professionals all play a role in shaping the country’s cultural identity and should work together to grow the creative economy while encouraging more young people to develop a lifelong love for reading.
She made the remarks when a delegation from the Ghana International Book Fair (GIBF) Secretariat, Board and Planning Committee paid a courtesy call on the Ministry to discuss preparations for the annual fair and explore stronger collaboration to promote literacy and culture.
Expressing concern over the declining reading habits among children and young people, the Minister said books remain powerful tools for expanding knowledge, nurturing creativity and deepening cultural understanding. She urged stakeholders across the creative sector to adopt a more coordinated approach to promoting reading.
“There is a special bond between myself and the Ghana International Book Fair for a very simple reason: I love reading,” she said.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the Ghana International Book Fair and other initiatives that promote literacy across the country.
She disclosed that the Government, under the leadership of President Mahama, has allocated GH¢20 million to support the creative arts sector through the appropriate agencies. She encouraged industry players to build strategic partnerships and demonstrate the sector’s contribution to national development.
Speaking on behalf of the Ghana International Book Fair Secretariat, Board and Planning Committee, Mr Ernest Oppong commended the Ministry for launching the revised Cultural Policy of Ghana, describing it as an important framework for the country’s creative and cultural industries.
He said the Ghana International Book Fair, established in 1996 and organised annually since 2005, has grown into a platform that promotes literacy, books and Ghana’s cultural heritage by bringing together readers, authors, publishers and exhibitors from Ghana and beyond.
Mr Oppong explained that the fair features discounted book sales, reading sessions, workshops, debate competitions and other educational activities designed to make reading enjoyable for children and young people.
He, however, noted that inadequate exhibition space remains one of the event’s biggest challenges. Rising operational costs, he said, have forced organisers to relocate the fair from the Trade Fair Centre and the Accra International Conference Centre to the National Theatre of Ghana.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
