Accra to Bid for The UNESCO World Book Capital, 2023

Accra, the capital of Ghana, is set to be designated as the UNESCO World Book Capital, 2023 following the city’s announcement of its intention to bid for the title in April this year. This was disclosed by the Mayor of Accra, Mr. Nii Adjei Sowah, after a meeting with the Executive Director of the Ghana Book Development Council and other book industry stakeholders.

According to the Mayor, the city is eagerly looking forward to hosting the UNESCO title in 2023 and has put together a formidable team of representatives of the book industry in Accra such as librarians, publishers, booksellers, writers, printers and other public officials for this purpose. The title, apart from the prestige it confers on the city, will also help propel the growing book industry in the city, promote reading and help sustain a lively book culture in the city. Additionally, said the Mayor, the planned programmes and activities for the title year will help sustain the interest of the teaming youth in schooling, books and keep them off the streets, particularly during off-school hours.

The city of Accra is the capital of Ghana. It is a fast growing cosmopolitan city with an international airport located within 15 minutes drive from the city centre. Many international airlines have direct flights to and from Accra. Accra also lies along the Atlantic Ocean and the beaches are often the scene of brisk fishing and other artisanal trade which are the mainstay of the indigenes.   

The city of Accra has different demographics, depending on the location. There is the old and traditional Accra which is at the centre of the city and mainly inhabited by the indigenes who speak the Ga language. This part of Accra is also home to the bustling and colourful Makola market which is no doubt, the largest outdoor market in the city; the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum; the Accra museum and national archives; the Cultural and Arts Centre; and many relics of Ghana’s colonial past.

With its many traditional festivals and practices, such as the must-see annual Homowo festival, street carnivals, tropical weather and welcoming people, Accra is definitely the gateway to Ghana and Africa, and is worth visiting.