Mr Edward Yaw Udzu, the President of the GPA who made the call said, “As we launch the 50th anniversary celebration of the GPA, let us move forward with renewed purpose and collaboration under the theme: “50 Years of Indigenous Book Publishing; Our Stories, Our Future.” 

He said, “When a nation controls its stories, it shapes its destiny. A nation that writes its stories builds its identity. A nation that publishes its knowledge builds its future.” 

Mr Udzu urged the GPA members to embrace digital publishing, e-books, and audiobooks to ensure Ghanaian content remains accessible in an increasing digital world. 

He added, “We must expand the global reach of Ghanaian books so that our stories are not only read locally but also shared with the wider world,” and that, “Ghanaian stories deserve a place not only on our shelves, but on the global stage.” 

He also encouraged publishers to support the next generation of writers, illustrators, editors, and publishing professionals who would carry the industry forward while strengthening copyright protection to safeguard the intellectual work of authors and publishers. 

He said for many years, African narratives were often written and interpreted by others, however indigenous publishing has changed the narrative by giving Ghanaian writers, scholars, and storytellers the platform to present authentic accounts of our society. 

He said through textbooks, novels, biographies, academic works, children’s literature, and cultural publications, Ghanaian publishers have helped preserve our languages, traditions, and historical memory. 

He emphasised that, “When Ghanaian children read books written by Ghanaian authors and published by Ghanaian publishers, they do more than read stories – they discover themselves. They discover their identity, they understand their history, and they begin to imagine their future. 

“They see their culture, their environment, and their aspirations reflected in the pages before them.” 

Mr Edmond Moukala, the UNESCO Country Director, the guest of honour in a remark asked African publishers to recognise that books represent the frontline of intellectual decolonization. 

He said for Africa to reclaim its education system there was the need for publishers to ensure that the classrooms were populated with textbooks, literature, and reference materials that reflect the faces, the histories, and the values of their children. 

“When a Ghanaian student opens a book published locally, written by a fellow citizen, and rooted in their daily reality, they are not just acquiring literacy – they are acquiring dignity,” he stated.  

Mr Moukala added, “Indigenous publishing transforms education from a process of passive consumption into a journey of active self-discovery and national empowerment.” 

Ms Harriet Adelaide Tagoe, the Vice President and the Chairperson of the Planning Committee of the GPA in a welcoming address said 50 years ago, on March 10, 1976, some visionary entrepreneurs in the field of publishing came together with a shared commitment to promote, protect, and strengthen indigenous publishing in Ghana. 

“Through resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication, they laid a foundation that has sustained and advanced Ghana’s publishing industry to this day,” she stated, and that the celebration was not only to commemorate the past, but also to reflect on their journey and to chart a bold path forward. 

She said the event would be a year-long series of impactful activities designed to celebrate achievements, honour pioneers, engage stakeholders, and inspire the next generation of publishers and consumers of published materials. 

The celebration would include World Book and Copyright Day, seminar, symposium, International Publishers Day, anniversary lecture and industry conference, World Literacy Day, and anniversary awards night.