UNESCO World Book Capital leaves a lasting legacy as Accra’s one-year tenure comes to an end

Accra, the vibrant capital city of Ghana, oozed with celebrations of literary culture after being honoured as the UNESCO World Book Capital for 2023. These series of transformative activities left an indelible mark on Ghanaians.

The year-long events sought to touch the lives of over 100,000 individuals, including children, youth, and adults. Mobile libraries reached remote corners, while schools and community learning centres were fortified with the tools of lifelong learning.

One such event was the electrifying debate competition, where Akoto Lante Basic School emerged as the winner amidst stiff competition from 32 participating schools. The final showdown, held during the closing ceremony of Accra World Book Capital, encapsulated the spirit of learning that defined Accra’s tenure as the World Book Capital.

In an exclusive interview, Ghana’s Ambassador to France, and Portugal, and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador Anna Bossman expressed her elation at the program's profound impact, suggesting that the actual reach might exceed the initial estimates. “They went down to the markets to see the kayayes (head porters), you know, so I think it probably… it may be more than 100,000” she said beaming with excitement.

Addressing the audience at the closing ceremony, Ambassador Bossman said the activities carried out “laid a strong foundation for Ghana which will serve as a springboard for activities earmarked for the 2024 African Union Year of Education”.

“Being designated as World Book Capital 2023 by UNESCO has enabled Accra, and more broadly Ghana, to gain visibility across the globe for its efforts to improve the lives of its citizens through the power of books and reading” shared the Resident Representative of UNFPA, Dr. Wilfred Ochan in a statement presented on behalf of UNESCO.

“The impact of the program could be felt by marginalized groups, including women, youth, migrants, street children, and persons with disabilities … mobile libraries have crisscrossed neighbourhoods, bringing the magic of books to doorsteps. Workshops in various Ghanaian languages have nurtured budding writers and poets. Skills and training centres have empowered unemployed youth, equipping them with tools for a brighter tomorrow” he added.

The Presidential Coordinator for Zongo and Inter-cities Secretariat, Mr. Ben Abdallah Banda, in a keynote address read on behalf of the Second Lady of the Republic of Ghana, H.E Samira Bawumia, said “Distributing over 10,000 books through programs like the Books-to-Go Projects and the African Story Box Project not only increased access to stories but ignited the passion for reading”.

According to the Chief Director at the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Mamle Andrews the Ministry of Education, together with its partners undertook several reading promotion activities in 12 Municipalities in the Greater Accra Region and its environs attesting to the critical role of the book industry players, and third-party organizers in making the one-year a success shared the representative for the Hon. Minister of Education, 

The legacy of the Accra World Book Capital doesn't end with the closing ceremony. The Mayor of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Madam Elizabeth Naa Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, unveiled plans for a groundbreaking Accra World Book Capital Legacy Project for which AMA has earmarked a 5-acre land to elevate Accra's literary landscape for generations to come. “This project is expected to provide space for utilization by book writers, and other related professionals to promote writing, and reading”.

As the chapter comes to a close, Ambassador Anna Bossman envisions a future where similar initiatives are replicated in cities across the country.