Accra, Sept 8, GNA-The Ghana Publishers Association (GPA) has joined the global community in commemorating International Literacy Day 2026, observed annually on 8 September.
This year marks 60 years since UNESCO proclaimed International Literacy Day in 1966.
The theme, “Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity,” invites reflection on literacy’s transformative power and its contribution to inclusive societies, environmental sustainability and economic development.
A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said the GPA regarded literacy as a fundamental human right and the foundation of lifelong learning, informed citizenship and meaningful participation in social and economic life.
“It extends beyond the ability to read and write: literacy enables people to find and assess information, understand their rights and responsibilities, make sound decisions, communicate effectively and pursue educational and economic opportunities”.
It said despite significant global progress, the literacy challenge remained substantial.
“UNESCO reported that at least 739 million youth and adults lacked basic literacy skills in 2024, while millions of children continued to fall below minimum reading-proficiency levels. These figures underline the need to keep literacy high on national and global agendas through sustained investment, innovation and coordinated action”.
The statement said for Ghana, stronger foundational literacy was essential to building a knowledgeable, skilled and productive population.
“Efforts must prioritise children from disadvantaged backgrounds, out-of-school children, adults who missed formal education, persons with disabilities and communities that face persistent barriers to quality education. Reaching these groups requires targeted programmes, accessible materials and reliable evidence about where literacy needs are greatest”.
It said the Literacy empowered individuals and communities to participate more effectively in society. Children who develop strong reading and comprehension skills are better equipped to succeed in school, while adults with adequate literacy skills are better positioned to access information, employment, vocational training and other opportunities”.
The GPA therefore called for continued investment in foundational literacy, teacher development, school libraries and quality reading and learning materials.
“Literacy programmes should also promote reading for understanding, critical thinking and enjoyment, rather than focusing exclusively on examination outcomes”.
It said Parents and guardians had an equally important role to play by creating reading-friendly environments at home and encouraging children to develop the habit of reading as part of their everyday lives.
The inclusion of “the Planet” in this year’s theme highlights the role of literacy in responding to environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and unsustainable consumption.
“Environmental literacy helps people understand how human activity affects the natural world and equips them to act on that knowledge. It supports informed decisions about sanitation, waste management, water conservation, energy use, agriculture and the protection of natural resources.
“Books, libraries and educational materials are powerful tools for developing environmentally responsible citizens. The publishing industry can contribute by producing accessible and age-appropriate materials on climate awareness, environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, conservation and responsible citizenship”.
The GPA therefore encouraged publishers to integrate environmental literacy into relevant publications and learning resources.
It said the knowledge and values contained in books produced today could significantly influence how future generations understand, value and protect the planet.
It said Individuals with strong literacy skills were better able to pursue further education, acquire vocational and professional skills, understand financial information, access employment opportunities and participate productively in the economy.
“At the national level, a literate population contributes to productivity, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Literacy should therefore be viewed not merely as an educational outcome but as a critical investment in human capital and national development”.
It said as technology transformed workplaces and created new forms of employment, reading and writing skills must be reinforced by digital, media, information and financial literacy. Equipping people of all ages—especially young people and adults at risk of exclusion—with these capabilities will improve their ability to assess information, use digital services safely, adapt to changing work and pursue emerging opportunities.
“The Ghana Publishers Association reaffirms that books are indispensable to literacy development. Quality publications help children and adults practise reading, build vocabulary, acquire knowledge and develop a lifelong reading culture. Publishers therefore have a responsibility to produce accurate, affordable, culturally relevant and inclusive textbooks, supplementary readers, children’s literature, reference works, Ghanaian-language publications and digital learning resources that respond to learners’ needs”.
The GPA called for collaboration among Government, publishers, schools, teachers, parents, libraries, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector to expand access to quality reading materials and create sustainable reading programmes across the country.
“As Ghana joins the international community to commemorate International Literacy Day, the GPA calls for a renewed and sustained national commitment to literacy development.
“Government must prioritise sustained investment in foundational literacy, teacher training, school and community libraries, and quality reading and learning materials. It should also fund programmes adequately, define measurable targets, assign clear institutional responsibility and publish regular evaluations so that progress can be assessed and shortcomings addressed”.
The private sector, development partners and civil society organisations are also encouraged to support literacy initiatives, community libraries, reading programmes and innovative interventions that reach underserved populations.
The GPA also encouraged collaboration between the publishing industry and educational institutions to promote reading, strengthen professional capacity and develop innovative approaches to literacy and learning.
In particular, Ghana should set clear, measurable priorities for early-grade reading, expand access to books in underserved schools and communities, strengthen instruction in Ghanaian languages alongside English, and publish regular progress data.
“These steps would make it easier to identify gaps, direct resources where they are most needed and hold institutions accountable for results”.
The theme “Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity” captures the broad and enduring significance of literacy in today’s world. Literacy empowers people, enables communities to respond intelligently to environmental challenges and creates pathways to economic opportunity and national prosperity.
“As we mark 60 years since UNESCO proclaimed International Literacy Day, the GPA recognises that literacy for all will not be achieved through commemoration alone. It requires sustained action, adequate investment, practical innovation and accountable partnerships among government, educators, publishers, communities, civil society and the private sector.”
Literacy is not simply about reading words; it is about enabling people to understand their world, shape their future, protect their environment and participate fully in building a prosperous society.
The Ghana Publishers Association therefore commited to advancing literacy, promoting reading and strengthening Ghana’s book and publishing ecosystem through sustained advocacy, collaboration and the production of quality, accessible and relevant publications.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba
Sept 8,2026
Photo