By Samira Larbie
Accra, Aug.23, GNA – The 23rd Ghana International Book Fair has been launched with a call on Ghanaians to embrace books and reading as essential tools for national transformation.
The Fair, set to take place from August 27 to 30, 2026, at the National Theatre in Accra is themed “Transforming Ghana’s Future Through Books.”
Mr Edward Yaw Udzu, announced this at a press conference and launch in Accra.
Mr Udzu said the Fair was more than an annual celebration of books, describing it as an investment in the Ghana the country aspired to become.
He said books served as vessels of knowledge, records of history and culture, and powerful instruments for shaping minds and changing lives.
According to him, at a time when Ghana was seeking a future driven by innovation, creativity, technology and knowledge, “books must remain at the heart of our national transformation.”
He therefore urged parents, teachers, schools, businesses, families and the general public to attend the Fair, emphasizing that what young people read today would influence how they think, create and ultimately shape the country’s future.
The four-day event, which will run from 08:00 hours to 05:00 hours daily, will bring together publishers, authors, writers, booksellers, librarians, educators, academics, policymakers, development partners, students and book lovers from Ghana and beyond.
Ms Yvonne Bossman, he Executive Director, dutllllhe Fair had evolved over the past two decades from a platform for displaying books into an important meeting point for the entire book ecosystem.
She said this year’s programme would include exhibitions, literary events, workshops, forums, competitions, business networking opportunities and engagements among authors, publishers, booksellers, printers and readers.
She announced the maiden edition of the Ghana Star Reader, a national reading competition aimed at nurturing students and promoting reading culture while testing their fluency, comprehension, active reading and listening skills in English and Ghanaian languages.
Another major attraction will be Reading with Champions, an interactive programme in which accomplished personalities from business, government, sports and the creative arts will read and engage with children.
Ms Bossman said renowned actress Martha Ankomah would be among the personalities participating in the programme.
She also announced a seminar examining ways of bringing books alive through film, as well as workshops for book industry professionals.
As part of activities preceding the Fair, a book float will be held in Central Accra on Friday, August 21, 2026, with the organisers inviting the media and the public to participate.
Ms Bossman acknowledged challenges facing the book industry, including rising production costs, piracy, limited financing, distribution difficulties and declining reading habits, but said collective action could help build a stronger and more sustainable industry.
She noted that the Fair had attracted participation over the years from countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, India, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Egypt.
The organisers urged Ghanaians, particularly young people, to make reading a daily habit and join the Fair to “read, discover, imagine, create and transform.”
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba
Reporter: Samira Larbie