GES launches Accra book flood project on 2023 World literacy day

The Ghana Education Service (GES) in collaboration with the Ghana Library Authority (GhLA) on September 11, 2023, launched the Accra Book Flood Project to commemorate the 2023 International Literacy Day.

Speaking at the launch on the theme: “The Role of Public Libraries in National Development,” the Director-General of GES encouraged learners to take advantage of the Accra Book Flood Project and enjoy the limitless benefits of reading.

The Accra book flood project follows the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) decision to select Accra, the capital city of Ghana as the World Book Capital for the 2023 academic year.

The year-long reading campaign is being organized under the theme, ‘Reading to connect minds for social transformation.’ Accra’s proposed programme seeks to use the power of books to engage these young people, as an effective way of skilling up the next generation. 

The activities of the Book Capital will include the introduction of mobile libraries to reach marginalized groups, and the holding of workshops to promote reading and writing of books in different Ghanaian languages.

Among others are the establishment of skills and training centres for unemployed youth and the organization of competitions to showcase Ghanaian arts and culture and promote inclusivity.

Since 2001, UNESCO awards the World Book Capital title to a designated city to promote reading, the domestic book industry, libraries, books, a lively book culture, and to enhance literacy awareness creation.

Cities designated as UNESCO World Book Capital undertake to promote books and reading for all ages and population groups, within and across national borders, and to organize a programme of activities for the year.

The nomination process

Every year, there is an Open Call for Applications published on the official website of UNESCO. The Open Call for Applications for 2024 was published in February 2022. The nomination does not include any financial prize; it acknowledges the best programmes dedicated to books and reading.

The Director-General of UNESCO is responsible for the designation of the cities following both internal and external consultations with the other members of the Advisory Committee.