Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Yussif Jajah, has stated that Ghana’s sustainable development depends on placing human capital and knowledge at the centre of national policy.

He made this statement during the opening of the 23rd Ghana International Book Fair at the National Theatre in Accra on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

According to him, the Book Fair represents an important national platform for celebrating books, literature, knowledge and the creative talents of the Ghanaian people.

He said that the country cannot rely solely on infrastructure projects to achieve progress, but must invest in developing minds capable of innovation, problem‑solving and knowledge transmission.

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“Countries do not develop merely because they build roads, bridges and factories; they develop because they develop people who can think, innovate, create, solve problems and transmit knowledge from one generation to another,” he noted.

Jajah further explained that reading is a powerful instrument for national transformation, broadening minds, strengthening critical thinking and exposing citizens to new ideas.

He emphasised that for children and young people in particular, cultivating a strong reading culture is one of the most important investments Ghana can make in its future.

“Lately, whenever we raise issues in Parliament, we are threatened. At this point, it feels as though we are not allowed to speak in this country, because once we do, the Majority begins to frustrate us.”

Drawing lessons from South Korea’s post‑war transformation, Jajah pointed to the Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) as an example of how values such as diligence, cooperation and continuous learning can underpin national progress.

Ghana, he said, must adapt such lessons by nurturing knowledge and creativity as the foundation of its development.

"South Korea provides a particularly instructive example. Following the Korean War, the country embarked on an ambitious national development programme. The Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) became an important part of that transformation, promoting values such as diligence, self-help, cooperation and continuous learning at community level," Jajah said.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted the role of the book industry in Ghana’s creative economy, noting that writing, publishing, editing, illustration, printing, bookselling, translation, literary festivals and digital publishing all provide opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.

“The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts recognises the important contribution that the Ghana International Book Fair and its partners are making.”

Jajah also commended organisers, publishers, writers, booksellers, exhibitors and partners whose commitment has sustained the Book Fair over the years. He urged parents, schools and young people to take full advantage of the event, discover new books, meet writers and cultivate the habit of reading.

“A Ghana that reads is better positioned to innovate, preserve its heritage, tell its own stories and compete confidently in the global economy.”

The 23rd Ghana International Book Fair, under the theme “Transforming Ghana’s Future Through Books” runs at the National Theatre from August 27 to 30, 2026.

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