World Book and Copyright Day marked in Accra

Accra, April 21, GNA - Dr Kwesi Annoh, Secretary of the Ghana Association of Writers, on Wednesday called on the Government to initiate a plan on book reading to liberate the minds of the people and bring enlightenment and knowledge to the broad masses.

"It is through the reading of books that we could empower our citizens especially the children to grow up to become responsible and discipline citizens of Ghana", he said.

Dr Annoh was presenting a paper on: "The Copyright Bill and the Literary Industry" at a symposium held to mark the World Book and Copyright Day in Accra.

The symposium was under the theme: "Reading Culture, An Asset, Copyright Protection and Collective Responsibility In The Literary Industry In Ghana".

Dr Annoh said there was the need to launch a national campaign on reading to create awareness on the importance of reading and build a nation of avid life-long readers, who read widely and value literature and languages.

He called on the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports to adopt children's novels written by Ghanaians to revolutionize reading and appealed to international institutions for assistance.

Dr Annoh stressed the need for more books on morality to reshape the minds of the citizenry to build a healthy and morally sound nation. He said an avid reading child would automatically grow up to become a responsible and enlightened adult citizen.

Mr Bernard K. Bosumprah, Copyright Administrator, deplored the use of television and computers at workplaces and homes, which were being used as attractive alternatives to reading.

He said the use of technology such as the Internet, digital printing and copy machines also undermined the administration and the protection of copyright when they got into the wrong hands.

Mrs Esi Sutherland-Addy, Member of the National Commission on Culture, called on people to voluntarily work on community libraries and encourage the use of library among the youth to improve upon their literary skills.