Accra: Mr. Asare Konadu Yamoah, the Chairman of the Ghana International Book Fair (GIBF), has made a plea to the government to invest in modular structures that can accommodate large-scale cultural events, such as the country's fair. He voiced his concerns over the lack of a suitable exhibition center, which has hindered the fair's growth and international appeal.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Yamoah made these remarks during the opening ceremony of this year's 22nd Ghana International Book Fair in Accra. The four-day event was themed 'Inclusive Publishing: Celebrating Accessible Literature'. Since its inception in 1996, the Fair has been a significant literary event in Ghana, establishing itself as a hub for promoting literacy in the sub-Saharan African region.
Mr. Yamoah highlighted the Fair's role in organizing free literary events for students at all levels and providing capacity building for industry professionals. He urged the government to support the establishment of a permanent multipurpose exhibition center for the creative arts and culture industry. This could be achieved through direct support or by fostering partnerships with the private sector.
Emphasizing the need for inclusive publishing, Mr. Yamoah called for the inclusion of publication materials that support individuals with learning challenges, such as braille, large format, and audiobooks. He pointed out that literature for readers with visual and hearing impairments has historically been underfunded and under-represented, necessitating urgent attention.
He further advocated for a dedicated budget, institutionalized with national funding, to support infrastructure development in the culture and creative arts sector, citing examples from Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt.
Professor Smile Dzisi, Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, highlighted the importance of literature in preserving historical knowledge. She praised the organizers for focusing on inclusive publishing, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability or background, can access and enjoy the written word. She emphasized that investing in books, libraries, authors, and readers secures cultural heritage and fosters growth and transformation.
Dr. Angela Affran, Inclusive Education Coordinator for Transforming Teacher, Education, and Learning, urged parents to encourage reading at home, noting that Ghana's future depends on the literacy of its people. She called for capacity building among stakeholders in the sector to enhance their effectiveness.
