“Each published work bridges the gap between past and future,” said Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Yussif Issaka Jajah, as he called for inclusive, fair, and sustainable publishing systems in Ghana. He was speaking at the opening of the Research, Publishing and Dissemination Forum during the 22nd Ghana International Book Fair at the British Council in Accra.
Representing the sector Minister, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Jajah emphasised the need to make literature accessible to all, especially persons with disabilities and the youth. He called for more braille books, audiobooks, sign language services, and digital tools to support inclusive reading.
He also highlighted findings from new research by the British Council and UNESCO, which revealed ongoing challenges in Ghana’s publishing sector, including limited rural access, low investment, and inadequate support for local content.
Jajah stressed that the government is prioritising reforms to strengthen copyright protection, promote Ghanaian writers, build industry capacity, and expand digital access. “The time for incremental steps is over,” he said.
The event, was held in partnership with UNESCO, the Ghana Publishers Association, and the British Council,
Other speakers also urged continued efforts to make books and knowledge widely available.
The British Council announced an upcoming writers’ workshop in October, 2025 while the Ghana Culture Forum emphasised the importance of taking research beyond academia to impact communities.
The Forum ended with a unified call for stronger collaboration to build a vibrant, accessible publishing ecosystem across Ghana and Africa.
Source: Delassie Mabel Awuku -Publica Relations Unit – MoTCCA
