Accra Selected as Host City for World Book Capital 2023

Accra, has been selected to host the 2023 World Book Capital, an initiative aimed at promoting reading culture in schools across the country. This achievement makes Accra the fourth city in Africa to receive the prestigious title since 2001, joining the World Book Capital Cities Network. The opening ceremony for the year-long celebration will take place on April 24, 2023, at the Accra International Conference Centre, where the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, will host a plethora of local and international dignitaries.

Under the theme “Reading to connect minds for social transformation,” a variety of activities will be organized, including marathon reading sessions, street jams, spelling bees, and reading and creative writing competitions. UNESCO’s executive board named Accra the World Book Capital 2023 during its 215th session in Paris, France, on September 22, 2021, after evaluating the city’s bid through the World Book Capital Advisory Committee.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, explained that the decision to award Accra the World Book Capital title reflects UNESCO’s recognition of ongoing reforms in the creative arts industry in Ghana and Africa. He further noted that the initiative recognizes the power of books and reading as fundamental elements for establishing a more inclusive, equitable, peaceful, and sustainable society.

The minister stated that the government has introduced measures to address barriers to equity and inclusivity in society, including making secondary education free, constructing more schools and STEM centers, developing adapted curricula at all levels, and improving the quality of teachers to enhance learning outcomes. Additionally, the government seeks to implement sustainable solutions, such as the use of digital technologies, to improve access, equity, and inclusiveness.

According to Dr. Adutwum, the Accra World Book Capital presents a clear opportunity for stakeholders and development partners to intensify their collective efforts towards achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He urged everyone to cultivate a reading habit to improve literacy rates in the country.

“Books transform the minds, and the mind transforms society.”

According to research, in 2015, 87 percent of Ghanaian children in Primary 2 were unable to read. However, as a result of government interventions, particularly the National Standard Test, this trend has decreased to 38 percent. The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, disclosed that currently, 62 percent of primary school pupils in Ghana still struggle with reading, highlighting the importance of leveraging the initiative of Accra World Book Capital.

Dr. Adutwum also noted that Ghana has made significant strides in literacy development through cultural activities such as drama, poetry recitals, drum language, dance, and choral music, which are integral to the goals of Accra World Book Capital and provide opportunities for students to use diverse forms of communication effectively.

The Mayor of Accra, Elizabeth Tawiah Sackey, emphasized that hosting the World Book Capital event would ignite a spirit of reading and have a positive impact on Ghanaian society, aligning with the national goal of becoming a learning nation. She expressed excitement about Accra’s role as the host city for the World Book Capital.

Abdul Rahman Diallo, the Representative of UNESCO to Ghana, highlighted the need for collective thinking and collaborative efforts among stakeholders in the education and culture sectors to achieve the shared objectives of promoting literacy and culture in Ghana.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh