Excerpt
he Ghana Book Development Council (GBDC) is a pivotal institution dedicated to fostering a robust book industry in Ghana. Established in 1975 as an agency under the Ministry of Education, the GBDC has been instrumental in promoting literacy and supporting the nation’s educational framework.
Historical Background
Inaugurated on April 2, 1976, by the Commissioner for Education and Culture, Mr. Ellison Owusu-Fordwuoh, the GBDC commenced full operations in January 1977. Initially named the Ghana National Book Development Council, it was later renamed to eliminate redundancy, with “National” deemed superfluous.
Mandate and Objectives
The GBDC’s core mandate includes:
- Stimulating and coordinating the publication and utilization of books to serve as effective tools for national development.
- Acting as a national agency for the concerted planning and management of activities involving all stakeholders in the book industry.
- Encouraging indigenous authorship and providing opportunities for local writers, publishers, translators, and printers.
- Promoting reading across all age groups, especially among children.
- Developing the infrastructure of the book industry by supporting the formation of professional associations for writers, illustrators, publishers, printers, booksellers, and librarians.
- Making recommendations for national book development policies.
- Undertaking activities that ensure the comprehensive development of books in Ghana.
Organizational Structure
The GBDC comprises three main components:
The Council:
- Consisting of 27 members representing various sectors of the book industry and government.
The Executive Board:
- A subset of the Council with 15 members responsible for executive decisions.
The Secretariat:
- The operational arm of the Council, implementing policies and programs.
Leadership and Appointment
he GBDC is governed by a twelve-member Board with representation from the Ministry of Education, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Ghana Book Publishers Association, Ghana Printers and Paper Converters Association, and the government, among others. The Secretariat is led by an Executive Director, supported by various officers and administrative staff. Appointments to leadership positions are typically made by the government, ensuring representation from key stakeholders in the book industry.
Collaborations and Partnerships
The GBDC collaborates with various organizations, including the Ghana Book Publishers Association, Ghana Association of Writers, and the Ghana Library Authority, to promote reading and literacy. These partnerships facilitate initiatives such as reading clinics, book fairs, and author engagement programs.
Constitutional Reforms
In 2018, the Ghana Book Development Agency (GBDA) Bill was introduced to provide a legal framework for the Council’s operations. This bill mandates the GBDA to prescribe and enforce standards for printing and publication, ensuring that books produced in Ghana adhere to international best practices.
Achievements
Over the years, the GBDC has:
- Organized reading clinics and author sessions in schools to foster a culture of reading among students.
- Developed and enforced national book standards to ensure quality in publishing.
- Advocated for policies that support the growth and development of the book industry in Ghana.
- Collaborated with international bodies to enhance the capacity of local publishers and authors.
References
- https://gbdc.gov.gh/sites/default/files/Ghana%20Book%20Standards%20Full.pdf
- https://gbdc.gov.gh/history-gbdc
- https://www.gbdc.gov.gh/sites/default/files/2014%20Annual%20Report.pdf
- https://gbdc.gov.gh/sites/default/files/Ghana%20Book%20World%20issue%206%20%282021%29.pdf
- https://gna.org.gh/2023/11/regular-reading-key-to-personal-development-executive-director/
- https://nccegh.org/news/ncce-with-support-from-the-ghana-book-development-council-organized-a-48-hour-marathon-book-reading-session-as-part-of-the-accra-world-book-capital-2023-activities-in-twelve-12-selected-districts-in-the-greater-accra-region
- https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/education/ghana-news-books-development-council-bill-to-be-laid-in-parliament.html
- https://www.gbdc.gov.gh/our-structure
- https://winmatpublishers.com/ghana-book-development-council/
- https://gpagh.org/about/objectives/
- https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark%3A/48223/pf0000046364