In a global celebration of World Book and Copyright Day, the Ghana Publishers Association joined forces with UNESCO and the international community on April 23, 2026, to highlight the theme, ‘The Joy of Reading.’ The association’s president, Edward Yaw Udzu, emphasized the importance of nurturing a robust reading culture, particularly among the nation’s youth.
Ghana’s literacy journey has seen notable improvements over the last twenty years, with adult literacy rates climbing from 58% in 2000 to over 80% by 2020, according to UNESCO. However, Yaw Udzu pointed out that these figures do not capture the challenges faced by schoolchildren and underserved areas, where reading proficiency needs bolstering.
Highlighting the role of literacy in empowerment, he noted that UNESCO defines it as essential for accessing knowledge, societal participation, and improving life quality. Initiatives such as ‘Libraries Without Walls’ have had a significant impact, enhancing reading skills and confidence across various communities.
Yaw Udzu stressed the socioeconomic benefits of literacy, which enables individuals to engage in economic activities and community innovation. He underscored that a nation with strong reading capabilities fosters a skilled workforce and sustainable economic development.
Despite the progress, disparities remain, particularly among women and rural populations, where access to books and libraries is limited. Addressing these issues, Yaw Udzu called for increased investment in reading infrastructure, support for local publishing, and promoting reading in native languages to integrate reading for pleasure into educational curricula.
