The capital of Ghana became a World Book Capital in the year 2023.
WHAT IT IS
The award aims to promote reading for all ages and spread UNESCO’s principles, cities that have been named UNESCO World Book Capitals engage in various activities. There is no monetary reward for the nomination. . UNESCO recognizes the city’s commitment to promoting books and encouraging reading for a full year through the World Book Capital program. Through its many activities, the program seeks to increase awareness of literacy and reading issues. Together with organizations and other stakeholders, World Book Capital produces a variety of programs that unite the local and national book sectors. The title is also used to highlight a city’s or country’s literary legacy on a national and international level.
HOW COUNTRIES ARE NOMINATED
Programs that support and encourage reading that are submitted by or approved by the mayor of the city submitting the proposal are accepted by the nominating committee. The programs run concurrently with World Book and Copyright Days. Some of the criteria for assessing the program proposals submitted by applicants are:
- A broad summary of projected costs and plans for raising money;
the extent of participation in professional and non-governmental organizations at the local, state, federal, and international levels, as well as the anticipated effects of the initiatives; - The volume and caliber of one-time or continuous events the applicant city has arranged in cooperation with national, regional, and worldwide professional associations that support authors, publishers, booksellers, and librarians while honoring the many participants in the book supply chain and the scientific and literary communities;
- The amount and caliber of any more notable initiatives supporting books and reading;
ACCRA’S SUBMISSION FOR CONSIDERATION
The capital of Ghana presented the committee with a comprehensive plan that targets marginalized populations with high rates of illiteracy, such as women, young people, immigrants, homeless people, and people with disabilities. To promote a reading culture, it stated that steps will be taken such as strengthening the infrastructure of schools and communities and providing institutional support for lifelong learning. In addition to supporting the publishing industry and other creative sectors, the initiative sought to promote professional skill development in order to accelerate the nation’s socioeconomic change. Lastly, it proposed that Mobile libraries will be used to reach underserved communities and then workshops would be held to encourage reading and writing in various Ghanaian languages.
FOR FURTHER READING
Through its Teaching of Reading Program, which enhances children’s literacy skills, the Ghana Book Trust, located in the capital of Ghana works with its Canadian partner, the Canadian Organization for Development through Education, to support teachers’ ongoing professional development.
NOTABLE BOOKSHOPS IN ACCRA
- Methodist Book Depot
- City Reads
- EPP Bookshop
- Vidya Bookshop