'Ghana Reads' to fill five libraries with books

Organisers of the second edition of ‘Ghana Reads’, a community reading festival, say their aim for this year’s event is to use the occasion to stock libraries in five communities of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) with Ghanaian authored fiction books.

The communities are Chorkor, Jamestown, Osu, Kawukudi and Korle Gonno.

The organisers intend to achieve the goal of the project by encouraging individuals and institutions to help purchase some selected Ghanaian fiction books.

The second edition of the ‘Ghana Reads’ will be held at the Accra City Hall of the new office complex of the AMA October 2, 2019.

‘Ghana Reads’ is a community based reading campaign aimed at encouraging Ghanaians, particularly children and the youth to develop love for reading.

The event is also intended to promote the reading of Ghanaian fiction literature as well as bridging the gap between readers and authors or publishers.

The 2019 edition of the ‘Ghana Reads’, which is being organised by Ghana Reads Initiative and e-Ananse Libraries would be held on the theme: “To inform the blackman, put it in a book.”

The event is expected to be attended by some high profile personalities, including the former Second Lady, Mrs Matilda Amissah Arthur, who will serve as the Special Guest of Honour while former President of the Ghana Association of Writers (GAW), Nana Kwasi Gyan Apenteng, will give the keynote address.

The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of AMA, Mr Mohammed Adjei Sowah will chair the event.

Other names expected to grace the occasion are Ms Abla Dzifa Gomashie, former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture; Naana Kabukwuor Dumaaley I, Paramount Queen of Ada

Traditional Area; Blakk Rasta, Abdul Hayi-Moomen, Prof. Lade Wosornu, Kofi Akpali, Ruby Goka, Kwaku Elliot, Valerie Danso, Apiorkor Seiyram Ashong, and Anastasia Baddoo.

A statement issued by the organisers of the event said this year’s edition will hold a conversation to discuss ways by which reading could be made a cultural practice in Ghana.

That, the organisers, added the event will hold books exhibition and sales, reading clinics and workshops as well as reading competitions.

Organisers said the event will be held with the slogan: “Making Reading Fun, Making Reading Our Culture; Ghana, Let’s Read!”