The Secretariat of Accra World Book Capital, 2023 (AWBC,23), over the weekend, July 30, 2023, organised a book review programme with the Ghana Association of Writers(GAW) and the Ghana Education Service(GES) as part of the events earmarked for the celebration of the AWBC, 23 title year.

Present at the programme included Directors at the Ghana Education Service, staff of the Ghana Book Development Council, and some members of GAW. The participating schools were Tema Secondary School, Ashaiman Senior High School, Kpone Senior High School and Chemu Senior High School.

Welcoming stakeholders, heads and teachers of the schools, and students to the programme, the Greater Accra Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service, Mr. Stephen Abamfo, expressed his delight for the organisation of the programme, as it paves the way for the inculcation of the culture of reading among school children.

He was also particularly happy with the choice of book for review, as it resonates with the current condition where the author, the late Ama Ata Aidoo, is being eulogised for her immense achievements and contributions to the works of literature. He appealed to the students to take delight in reading in order for us to create a culture of reading.

The review of the book, ‘THE GIRL WHO CAN’, was moderated by Mr. Sylvanus Bedzra of GAW. The book was reviewed by Mr. Oswald Okaitei, the organising secretary of GAW and Ama Dadson, the CEO of Akoobooks.

The story centred on a character called, Adjoa, a seven-year-old girl, an African child, born in the village of Hasodzi, who had to deal with societal constraints borne out of a perception of part of her body deemed to be unbefitting of a girl or a lady.

Adjoa however managed to overcome the challenge to achieve great feat to the delight of her mother, grandmother and society at large. Truly the book was reviewed to the delight of the students and everyone present, with great lessons learnt. The programme was very interactive and the students asked questions which answers were provided.

To sustain the reading culture among the students, and to ensure that as many students as possible get the opportunity to read the selected book for the review session, copies of the book were given to the participating schools for their libraries.

This is to encourage the continuous reading and discussion of the valuable lessons contained in the book. Again, students who were outstanding during the discussion of the book were also rewarded with some titles for their reading pleasure.

The AWBC, 23 title is used to promote the domestic book industry, libraries, books, reading, awareness creation on literacy issues, and a lively book culture. The title is also used to promote tourism and the cultural heritage of the city. Thus from April 23, 2023, to April 22, 2024, there will be different projects, activities and programmes to celebrate the yearlong title.

Consequently, everyone is invited to support the achievements of the goals of Accra World Book Capital, 2023 to advance the promotion of reading and also build a robust book industry capable of meeting the educational needs of Ghana.