Publishers association launches 22nd book fair in Tamale

The Ghana Publishers Association (GPA) has launched the 22nd edition of the Ghana International Book Fair (GIBF), which is set to take place from August 7 to 10, 2025 in Accra.

Launched on the theme: “Inclusive Publishing, Celebrating Accessible Literature,” the fair aims to bring together local and international publishers, authors and stakeholders to promote reading culture and the growth of the publishing industry in Ghana.

The launch, which took place in Tamale last Wednesday, also served as the official opening ceremony for the Tamale Regional Book Fair and marked the celebration of UNESCO World Book and Copyright Day.

Organised in partnership with Twellium Industrial Company Limited, UNESCO, the Ghana Tourism Authority, and the Ghana Library Authority, the four-day event sought to foster collaboration among key players in the literary sector.

It also created a platform for authors to showcase their work, for publishers to connect with readers, and for stakeholders to explore new literary content.

Inclusive publishing

At the launch, the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, emphasised the transformative power of inclusive publishing.

“Inclusive publishing will dismantle barriers and ensure no one is left out of the transformative power of literature.”

“It is not only about retrofitting existing books, but designing literature from the outset in multiple accessible formats," he said.

He highlighted the role of innovation, including AI-driven audiobooks and adaptive e-readers, in expanding access to literature.

However, he stated that less than 10 per cent of published works globally were fully accessible and called for collective efforts from publishers and policymakers to address this gap.

Linguistic diversity

Representing the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, the Head of the Education Section of UNESCO Ghana, Prosper Kwasi Nyavor, stressed the importance of linguistic diversity in publishing. 
He said many communities lacked adequate resources in their native languages, posing a threat to literacy, education and cultural continuity.

“New technologies offer opportunities to widen access, but the digital divide continues to deepen inequalities in the global creative economy,” Mr Nyavor added.

He indicated that UNESCO had over the years supported several projects under its International Fund for Cultural Diversity to boost the book sector and protect copyright.

Declining reading culture

The Treasurer of the Ghana Publishers Association, Kwabena Agyapong, lamented the declining culture of reading and the limited investment in general books outside of textbooks.

He stressed that the absence of a national book development and reading policy had stunted the industry’s growth.

“Inadequate library resources and lack of local content continue to hinder public libraries.

The last major procurement of reading materials for basic schools, dates back to the year 2000," he stated.

He further criticised the imposition of taxes on imported books, which he said had worsened the situation.

Mr Agyapong, therefore, called on the government to ease taxes on textbooks and prioritise the development of a national book and reading policy to promote literacy and cultural preservation.