Efo Kodjo Mawugbe, Acting Executive Director of the National Theatre, on Sunday said the culture of reading and writing is the fuel for the private sector.
The private sector being the engine of growth of Ghana's economy can only be fueled by a good culture of reading and writing.
Efo Mawugbe said this when he chaired the induction ceremony of newly elected executives of the Ghana Association of Writers (GAW) in Accra.
He explained that certain factors had contributed to the lack of a reading culture among the youth such as the lack of libraries, overdependence on technology among others but said "computers cannot replace textbooks".
He urged parents to buy books for their children to read and also inculcate the culture of reading in their children when they can.
Efo Mawugbe called on the newly inducted executives to work hard to ensure that reading and writing are mainstreamed into the school curriculum. He also called for the creation of creative clubs in schools to encourage talented children to use their talents.
He urged them to ensure that textbook writers who are not members of the Association become members so as to have a better bargaining power with government.
Mr. Kwasi Gyan- Apenteng, the newly inducted President of GAW commended the outgoing President and Dr. Rex Quartey, outgoing Secretary General for their immense contributions to the Association.
He said despite challenges such as dwindled membership, financial problems and a decline in public profile and influence, the new executives were putting in place structures to start rebuilding the association with help from their predecessors.
".we are working with them to learn lessons and build on their work where we can, but we will not hesitate to change course if the lessons learnt dictate that we do so", he said.
He said GAW would fight for public libraries to be opened and sustained by government and persuade private businesses, churches and civic groups to build libraries as part of their corporate social responsibilities.
Mr. Gyan-Apenteng also pledged that the GAW would support writers, potential writers and children who show an aptitude for writing adding that the association would become "the home for the creative and imaginative spirit."
Mr. Ben M. Imoro, the new Vice President said reading and writing are the most important things and those who read and write are the important people who move the world forward.
The other new executives were; Dr. Camynta Baezie- General Secretary, Mr. Anthony Obeng Afrane, Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Gheysika Agambila, Treasurer and Mr. Henry Assampong, Organizing Secretary.
Others include; Mr. Desmond Ali Gasanga, Assistant Organizing Secretary, Mr Kwaala Dove, Executive Member, Mrs Ayo, Ayoola-Amale, Legal Adviser and Mrs Demay Alabi, Public Relations Adviser.
They were sworn into office by Justice Mrs Doris Bempong.