Ghana Publishers Association launches 19th Ghana International Book Fair

The Ghana Publishers Association (GPA) has launched the 19th Ghana International Book Fair (GIBF) with a call on government to help reform the Book Industry for the Future Generation.

The Book Fair on the theme, “ Reforming the Book Industry for the Future Generation was to bring all book industry players together to evaluate and take strategic decisions towards reforming the Book Industry in Ghana .

Chairperson of the event, H.E Enrique Escorza ,Mexican Ambassador to Ghana in his speech said the formal launch of the 19th Ghana Book Fair comes at an officious moment and commended GPA for their efforts in making the fair possible .

He mentioned the Mexican Embassy is delighted to collaborate with GPA to embark on this year’s Ghana International Book Fair .

Speaking at the launch Hon. Elizabeth Naa Kwatsoe Taiwah Sackey , CEO ,Accra Metropolitan Assembly, said she is poised in supporting all useful programmes which promote quality education that will sharpen the knowledge and skills of the youth.

She said it is important for stakeholders to promote the habit and love for reading and writing.

The Accra Mayor mentioned that Accra is ready and excited to take over the title from their colleagues in Guadalajara Mexico come next year and the Municipal Assembly is poised to colloborate with them and all staleholders to host a successfultitle year that will promote books in all forms both printed and electronic.

Mr Asare Konadu Yamoah, Chairman of the GBIF, said adequate support was needed from the government, businesses and other supporting affiliates to help include a bouquet of cultural programmes to promote Ghanaian culture locally and internationally.

According to him, In previous years, some officials of government at the highest level have either ignore invitations to participate in the Ghana Book Fair or have delegated low level officials. This attitude does not give us the powerful message that will draw the people and other foreign visitors and exhibitors to the book fair event. Apart from 2003, 2009, and 2010, when we had the opportunity to have in attendance the Ministers, no other invitation has been honoured.

He said, the organisation of book fairs is an expensive venture. Without financial support, it becomes difficult to include a lot of cultural activities such as poetry recitals, children reading programmes, arts sessions, and competitions such as essay writing, quiz, and debates as well as sponsoring some foreign industry experts to facilitate and help build capacity for the industry players.

Mr Yamoah appealed to the Ministries of Education, Tourism Arts and Culture and the Ministry of trade to provide the best incentives and support for the Ghana International book fair. It is an important pillar in the promotion of culture, education and literacy, and a potential contributor to the economic fortunes of the country.

'The GIBF this year will be a precursor to the world book capital programme next year. We are therefore inviting the Accra world book capital committee to take advantage of this platform being offered to validate some the activities scheduled as part of the world book capital for readiness" he added.

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Source: Ghana Publishers Association