Adopt and acquire works of indigenous writers - Professor Fobi

Accra, April 11, GNA - Professor Dominic Fobi, Minister for Education, Science and Sports on Friday called on educational institutions and the public to adopt and acquire the work of indigenous writers in their establishments as way of supporting literary work. "It is only when we support home-grown writers that the country would be able to achieve its goal of promoting literary works and encourage local young creative minds."

Prof. Fobi made the call in a speech read for him by Professor Samuel Boateng, Executive Director of Ghana Book Development Council at the launch of "The African Agenda" a 503-page novel written by Dr Camynta Baezie, a Transport Engineer resident in United Kingdom in Accra. He said government was aware of the important role played by the book industry in ensuring that the public were fed with enough information through reading.

Prof. Fobi mentioned the participation and showcasing of indigenous writers at both local and international book fairs, reduction of taxes on books as some of the supports given to the industry. "A systematic consideration of the tax system has led to a gradual government relaxation and reduction in some taxes for the book industry to pave way for competition and more effective operations. The Ghana Library Board has also been revamped and encouraged with the request logistics for effective coverage of the nation to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in their operations," he added.

Prof. Fobi said government recognized books as the hub of the educational wheel and very powerful tool in the overall development of Ghanaians and was determined to improve the literacy rate in the country by 2015. In government's Education Strategic Plan, the Minister said, various measures had been instituted to improve Ghana's educational facilities thereby raising quality education.

Commenting on the "The African Agenda," Professor Fobi said the book invoked s sense of patriotism and a direction purpose for Africans to unite and chart their own course. Dr Baezie said the book sought to entertain, inform, provoke and call to action of readers. He said the book with multiple settings also depicted war in Africa, global nuclear threats, military takeover in Ghana and tackle accident situations. Dr Baezie said he was inspired by the suffering of Africans in the midst of plenty.

Mr Kofi Bucknor, a seasoned Film Producer commended the writer for coming out with an inspiring novel which depicted concerns of cyber fraud which ought to be curbed. Mr Kwamena Essilfie Adjaye, an Economic Consultant who reviewed the book, recommended it to the public to be enlightened on the historical background of Ghana and the Continent.