Let’s develop a culture of reading – Tourism Minister
Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, on Friday urged the citizenry to develop a strong culture of reading, which she described as a powerful instrument for national transformation.
Ghana's Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Minister, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called upon citizens to cultivate a robust reading culture, emphasizing its transformative power for national progress. Addressing the opening of the 23rd Ghana International Book Fair in Accra, themed "Transforming Ghana's Future Through Books," Gomashie highlighted the importance of reading for children and young people in developing a strong cultural foundation for the nation's future.
According to her, reading stands as a vital investment for the country's advancement, going beyond academic pursuits to broaden perspectives, enhance critical thinking, expose individuals to diverse ideas, and foster empathy towards other societies.
Drawing parallels to South Korea's development during the Korean War, Gomashie underscored the role of a reading culture supported by education and knowledge acquisition. She stressed that human capital and the development of thoughtful, innovative minds are pivotal for sustainable growth, asserting that economies flourish not only through infrastructure but also by nurturing individuals capable of critical thought, creation, problem-solving, and knowledge transmission across generations.
The Minister urged a concerted effort to make reading more appealing and accessible, particularly to the younger demographic. She encouraged them to explore beyond textbooks and engage with Ghanaian, African, scientific, historical, biographical, technological, and creative literature. Edward Yaw Udzu, the Chairman of the Ghana International Book Fair, echoed the importance of the event as a gathering point for industry professionals and a celebration of literature.
He pointed out the evolving landscape of the publishing industry, driven by digital technology, artificial intelligence, electronic publishing, and audiobooks, urging stakeholders to balance innovation with the enduring value of traditional books.
Udzu identified several challenges within the industry, including high production costs, limited financing, piracy, inadequate distribution, and the decline in reading habits. He appealed to the government for sustained support in promoting publishing and libraries while encouraging publishers to focus on producing high-quality Ghanaian content.
Writers were urged to boldly narrate Ghanaian stories, and parents were advised to integrate books into their children's daily routines. Teachers, educationists, and librarians were reminded of their role in nurturing a reading culture, helping young people unlock the potential of knowledge, and book sellers were advised to innovate in reaching wider audiences.
To the youth, Udzu delivered a straightforward message: read extensively, think profoundly, and dream ambitiously. He emphasized that the books one reads today may contain the ideas that will shape Ghana's future. The Ghana International Book Fair commenced on Thursday, August 27, and will conclude on Sunday, August 30, marking a significant milestone in the literary and publishing sectors of Ghana.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
