The Ghana Library Authority (GhLA), in partnership with Adwinsa Publications Ghana and under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, has marked World Children’s Day with the 2025 Adwinsa Children’s Book and Arts Festival, a national event dedicated to promoting literacy, creativity and child development.

Held in Accra, the festival brought together children, educators, authors, policymakers and cultural advocates, all united by a shared commitment to advancing reading and the arts as essential tools for youth development.

Addressing participants, the Executive Director of the Ghana Library Authority, Alhassan Betintiche Ziblim, emphasised that fostering a culture of reading requires collaboration across institutions, families, and communities.

“Building a reading society is a shared responsibility,” he stated.

“Today’s celebration confirms our commitment to nurturing confident, imaginative and lifelong readers.”

He highlighted the strides made by the Authority, including the extension of operating hours at the National Children’s and Young People’s Library, allowing children to access learning materials from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

“This innovation removes financial barriers and allows every child, parent, and teacher unlimited access to e-books, audio books and video tutorials anytime, anywhere,” he noted.

The Authority is also preparing to launch reading sessions in various Ghanaian languages; a move aimed at strengthening cultural identity and ensuring inclusivity in literacy development.

Additionally, Ziblim revealed that the Authority is making progress in reviewing the 55-year-old law governing library operations to modernize services and establish a National Library.

The festival was attended by key personalities including John Dumelo, MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon, Albert Koomson, National Director of Ghana Reads, broadcaster and author Oheneyere Gifty Anti, filmmaker Kafui Danku and designer-author Linda Ampah.

In his remarks, Dumelo encouraged young people to read consistently, stressing that reading improves communication and broadens knowledge.

“Children spend a lot of time on their phones, which is not bad, but reading is equally important. If you can, read at least one book a month,” he advised.

This year’s edition featured a wide range of engaging activities, including, unveiling of The Talking Pot, Book dramatizations, Poetry and spoken-word sessions, Interactive book readings Reading clinics, Children’s performances and art workshops.

These activities were designed to help children experience literature beyond reading, encouraging imagination, confidence and expression.

The Chief Executive Officer of Adwinsa Publications, Kwaku Oppong-Amponsah, described the event as the first of an annual tradition aimed at deepening children’s engagement with books and the arts.

“Today is World Children’s Day, so we collaborated with the Ghana Library Authority to organise this festival. This is the first of its kind, and we plan to do it every year,” he said.

He highlighted the unveiling of The Talking Pot as one of the major moments of the festival.

The Ghana Library Authority reiterated that the festival aligns with its broader strategy of expanding access to books and creative learning opportunities through partnerships with publishers, schools and community institutions.


Ghana Armed Forces outlines new recruitment rules after El-Wak stampede



Parliament's Defence Committee impressed with Accra military recruitment setup



Watch the promo to GhanaWeb's latest documentary, which uncovers the evolution of ‘kayamata,' an exploitative practice fueled by love charms and manipulation, titled, “The Dark Side of Kayamata,' below:



The wait is over! The GhanaWeb Excellence Awards 2025 is officially launched. Let's Celebrate impact, innovation and excellence across Ghana.
Who deserves to be honoured this year?
Nominate now 👉 https://ghanaweb.com/ghanaexcellenceawards/nominate