The day is being marked on the inspiring theme, “The Joy of Reading.”

The annual celebration reminds the world that books are not merely objects of learning, but powerful instruments for education, innovation, cultural expression, and national development.

“Reading remains one of the most effective ways of nurturing informed, empowered, and productive citizens.

“For the Ghana Publishers Association, this year’s theme is both timely and urgent. It challenges us to renew our collective commitment to building a strong and enduring reading culture, especially among children and young people”.

A statement signed by Mr Edward Yaw Udzu, President of Ghana Publishers Association and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said Ghana had made commendable progress in literacy over the past two decades.

According to UNESCO data, adult literacy levels had risen significantly—from about 58 per cent in the year 2000 to over 80 per cent by 2020, reflecting sustained investments in education and access.

“However, national averages do not tell the full story. Reading proficiency challenges persist, particularly among schoolchildren and underserved communities”.

It said UNESCO rightly described literacy as a cornerstone of human empowerment—enabling individuals to access knowledge, participate meaningfully in society, and improve their quality of life.

For children, reading: Strengthens comprehension, vocabulary, and academic performance, stimulates imagination, creativity, and critical thinking and builds confidence and effective communication skills

“Evidence from literacy initiatives in Ghana confirms the transformative power of reading. UNESCO recognised programmes such as Libraries Without Walls have reached thousands of learners and significantly improved reading ability and confidence within a short period.

These experiences demonstrate that when children have access to books and welcoming reading environments, progress follows swiftly”.

Tge statement said reading was not only a personal asset, but a a driver of national development.

“UNESCO has consistently shown that literacy: expands economic opportunities, enhances employability and productivity and reduces poverty and inequality.”
It said in Ghana, community-based literacy programmes had contributed directly to socio economic empowerment, particularly among youth and marginalised groups.

“Literacy enables individuals to participate in income generating activities, engage in local economies, and innovate within their communities.
“Our aspiration to build a knowledge based economy depends on a population that can read, understand, and apply information effectively. Without strong reading skills, educational investments yield limited returns, workforce productivity declines, and economic growth is constrained. A reading nation, however, builds skilled human capital, fosters innovation, and sustains economic opportunities .

The statement said despite gains, significant disparities remain.
“ Illiteracy rates are higher among women and rural populations, and in some communities, access to books and libraries remains severely limited”.

It said addressing these challenges require coordinated national action.

The Ghana Publishers Association called for: increased investment in libraries and reading infrastructure, stronger support for local publishing and book distribution, promotion of reading in Ghanaian languages and integration of reading for pleasure into school systems.

As part of the 2026 World Book and Copyright Day celebrations, the statement said the Ghana Publishers Association was committed to: collaborating with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and selected schools to organise reading programmes, promoting Ghanaian authored books, advocating policies that strengthen the local book industry, partnering stakeholders to expand access to books.

“Through these efforts, we seek to rekindle a national love for reading and ensure that every Ghanaian child experiences its joy and lifelong benefits.
“Reading is the foundation upon which education, empowerment, and national development are built. The evidence is clear: nations that invest in reading and literacy build stronger economies, more inclusive societies, and brighter futures”.

The Ghana Publishers Association therefore called on government, educators, parents, publishers, and development partners to work together to promote reading nationwide.
“On this World Book and Copyright Day, let us recommit ourselves to nurturing a generation of readers, because a reading Ghana is, indeed, a thriving Ghana”.