'Embrace reading as a cornerstone of national development' - Executive Director of GIBF

The Executive Director of the Ghana International Book Fair (GIBF), Yvonne Bossman, has urged Ghanaians to embrace reading as a cornerstone of national development, stressing that the future of the country depends on how much knowledge is invested in its young people.

Delivering her speech at the launch of the 23rd Ghana International Book Fair in Accra on August 20, 2026, Bossman noted that for over two decades, the Fair has evolved into a major cultural platform, bringing together publishers, writers, others as well as international stakeholders to trade, share ideas and strengthen Ghana’s book ecosystem.

“For over two decades, the Ghana International Book Fair has grown from a platform for books and publishing into an important meeting point for the entire book ecosystem. It brings together publishers, writers, printers, booksellers, librarians, educators and other stakeholders, both local and international, to interact, trade, share ideas and build stronger connections,” she said.

Bossman further announced a series of activities for this year’s edition, including exhibitions, literary events, workshops, forums, competitions, and business networking opportunities.

Among the highlights are the maiden Ghana Star Reader competition, designed to nurture students’ reading culture, and Reading with Champions, where personalities from business, government, sports, and the creative arts — including actress Martha Ankomah — will read and interact with children.

She also revealed that a book float will take place in central Accra on Friday, August 21, 2026.

“The Book Fair is not about putting books on display. It is about what happens when people connect with books, and the lasting impact we want to create,” Bossman said.

The Executive Director called for collective responsibility, urging parents, teachers, schools, libraries, publishers, authors, businesses, and the media to play their part in strengthening Ghana’s reading culture.

The Fair, which has welcomed participation from countries including the UK, US, Canada, India, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt, will run from August 27–30, 2026 at the National Theatre from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.

VKB/AM