UNESCO Director General, Madam Audrey Azoulay and the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will host the grand opening of Accra World Book Capital 2023 in Accra on Monday April 24, 2023.
This was contained in a press release issued to the media.
Below is the full release
MEDIA ADVISORY
The Director-General of UNESCO Madam Audrey Azoulay in Ghana to join the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo, to open the Accra World Book Capital (AWBC) 2023
What:
UNESCO Director General, Madam Audrey Azoulay and the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo host the grand opening of Accra World Book Capital 2023 in Accra. In addition, they will host an array of important international personalities at the ceremony. The event is expected to be attended by dignitaries, including Members of the Diplomatic Community in Ghana, UNESCO Representatives in the Africa Region and its Paris headquarters, Directors and Representatives of the United Nations Agencies, home and abroad, Development Partners, City Mayors from the World Book Capital Network, and personalities from the International Publishers Association (IPA), International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), as well as the International Authors Forum (IAF).
Who:
The speakers at the event include: UNESCO Director General Madam Audrey Azoulay; the President of the Republic of Ghana Nana Addo Akuffo-Addo; the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum; Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey; and the Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Madam Elizabeth Naa Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey.
When: Monday, April 24, 2023 at 09:00
Where: Accra International Conference Centre
Why:
On 22nd September 2021, the City of Accra was selected by UNESCO as the 2023 World Book Capital, following evaluation by the World Book Capital Advisory Committee. Accra was selected ahead of other cities because it programmatic focus was on young people and their ability to contribute to the culture and wealth of Ghana through the power of reading. Accra, thus, became the fourth city in Africa to receive this title since 2001, making the vibrant city part of the prestigious World Book Capital Cities Network. This, no doubt, is an acknowledgement of the giant strides Ghana and Africa are making to develop the book and creative arts industries. The concept of World Book Capital by UNESCO acknowledges the power of books and reading as cornerstones to a more inclusive, equitable, peaceful, and sustainable society.
The UNESCO Director-General will undertake the following during her visit:
The Visit to the Ga Mantse
The Director-General will pay a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse His Royal Majesty (HRM) King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the current king of the Ga State. The Ga Mantse will sit in state with 6 of his Paramount Chiefs at Ga Traditional Council at North Kaneshie.
Ussher Fort
The UNESCO Director-General will visit the Ussher Fort, located James Town. From its origins as a trade post to its use as a slave dungeon, police post, prison, military detention facility, and court-martial unit, the fort has played a significant role in the region’s past. In 2005, it served as a refugee camp for Liberians and South Sudanese. Most recently, it housed the Museum of Slavery, which was temporarily closed in 2014.The National Museum established the Ussher Fort Specialized Museum in response to the fort’s historical significance in the organized enslavement and transport of people across the Atlantic. Created in 2007, it was the first specialized national museum on the history of enslaved peoples.
James Town Cafe
JamesTown Cafe was established by Architect Osae Addo as a place of engagement for visitors and residents alike. This Café has been a venue for dialogue on creativity, design and the stimulation of economic growth as well as exhibitions, shows among others. Jamestown Café has served as a platform for the local community (local musicians, artists, schoolchildren etc.) to interact with each other as well as with visitors from around the world.
End
Media contacts
Abdourahamane Diallo, UNESCO Representative in Ghana
Phone:+233501482502
Email Address: a.diallo@unesco.org
Abdul Hamid Yakub, National Programme Officer
Phone:+23324253311
Email:ah.yakub@unesco.org
