The World Book and Copyright Day was commemorated in Accra last Thursday, with an emphasis on young people to embrace reading as a pathway to leadership, personal growth and national development.
The event, organised by the Ghana Book Development Council (GBDC), had the theme: “Reading to be a leader”, and it reinforced the message that reading habits in youth remained central to national development.
Event
The event saw participation from seven primary schools in the Madina Constituency.
The participating schools were Madina SDA 1 and 2, Madina Estate 1 and 2, Madina 3 Basic, and PRESEC Staff 1 and 2 basic schools.
The pupils were engaged through interactive and educational activities designed to deepen their interest in books.
The programme featured book exhibitions, dramatic readings, curated reading sessions, creative performances and guided discussions that encouraged active participation.
Facilitators also led a reading of “Shattered Dreams,” a story of two high school students whose poor choices resulted in negative consequences.
Each of the participating schools also received books from the Ghana Publishers Association.
Significance
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the GBDC, Ernesticia Asuinura, highlighted the importance of reading in shaping responsible citizens.
She urged the pupils to pursue their ambitions through reading and stressed that success in any profession required consistent engagement with books.
“You cannot achieve those dreams if you do not make books your friend,” she stated.
The Executive Director also urged parents and teachers to prioritise early exposure to books.
“This could improve life opportunities and contribute to economic growth through a more knowledgeable and skilled population.
“It will also strengthen critical thinking and enhance academic achievement,” she said.
The event underscored the broader significance of reading as a tool for empowerment and a driver of social and economic progress.
Investment in reading culture
For his part, Nana Dakyi-Mensah, who spoke on behalf of the President of the Ghana Publishers Association, Edward Udzu, called for sustained investment in literacy and research.
He urged the government and stakeholders to prioritise access to books, libraries and research resources to ensure that children across the country could benefit from quality education.
“Reading is an important source of education, personal growth and national development,” he stated.
Mr Dakyi-Mensah added that stronger reading habits would enhance participation in the labour market and support innovation and economic advancement.
He also expressed confidence that continued efforts would inspire a new generation of informed and responsible citizens.
“A child who reads today becomes a knowledgeable, skilled and productive citizen tomorrow,” he said.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh