Is Ghana’s Copyright Law safeguarding creativity? World Book and Copyright Day sparks reflection on access, protection, and growth

In a world where knowledge drives progress, books remain the foundation. Every year, World Book and Copyright Day calls on nations to nurture a culture of reading while safeguarding the rights of authors and creators. While the UN has not released any official theme for this year’s celebration, World Book Day, which is a global event, is celebrating the theme “Read Your Way” in 2025. This theme emphasizes the importance of personal reading experiences and encourages everyone to find their own unique way to enjoy books. And for authors like J. F. Longdon, a Ghanaian children’s writer based in Accra, the journey from imagination to publication comes from her passion to write, calling on government to put structures in place to support young writers.

“For me starting this project, it was more based on passion, hobby and the need to fill in gabs. So that’s I embarked on this, and I was able to do that with a clear mind, and also my money that I have saved for a while because 2024 was the year I had planned to do this project. Imagine someone else is not having the kind of fund, or not having the ability to go ahead and start a project, it’s sad and demoralizing. It doesn’t push our people to continue to bring out good work,” she shared.

But the value of books can only be realized when people have the ability and opportunity to read them. In Ghana, literacy rates have improved, but disparities remain—particularly in underserved communities.

This is why advancing SDG 4 – Quality Education is at the heart of today’s commemoration. It’s about ensuring every young person has access to the tools that unlock knowledge. At the Ghana Library Authority, that vision is being translated into action. Greater Accra Regional Librarian at the Ghana Library Authority, Addo Yobo proposed the establishment of National book gift day, urging the youth to visit the library and borrow books.

“I would want to encourage Ghanaians to buy books and read, while’s encouraging publishers to publish more books. I also urge all those who cannot afford books, especially the youth, should visit the Ghana public Library in their communities to borrow books to read. I again want to propose the institution of a national book gift day, and in this particular day, every Ghanaian will be encouraged to exchange a book with their neighbors or friends. Whether at school, office, homes and even on the streets,” he encouraged

While access to books is one side of the conversation, the other is protection. Ghana’s copyright law exists to ensure that the intellectual property of authors, illustrators, and publishers is preserved—and that their work is not exploited. Principal Documentation And Research Officer at the Ghana Copyright Office, Samuel Awuku Gyeketiey tells me more.

“I would say that, the copyright law to a very large extent effectively working in the country. I say so because we have the enabling environment that seems to promotes copyright and provide for the best for creators. It also provides for the very best interests of copyright owners in general and those who create all sort of copyright works—including music, films, books, computer software and mobile applications,” he reassured.

At the university level, Ghana’s future thinkers and creators are engaging with books in both traditional and modern ways. Libraries like those at the University of Media, Arts and Communication are being reimagined to serve the needs of a digital generation. Senior Library Assistant at the University, David Asase, tells me more.

“The students of UniMac do come to the library, but they sometime come in their numbers and other days they don’t. They do so especially when they have projects, assignments, group works and during exams. One challenge that we have here at the library on campus is students not being aware of the E-Resources system stocked with a lot of information on their projects. They hardly use those things that we have provided for them,” he bemoaned.

As Ghana joins the world to mark World Book and Copyright Day, the message is not only about celebrating literature—it’s about strengthening the systems that support it: from access to education, to protecting intellectual property, to empowering young people to read, write, and rise. In the push toward achieving Agenda 2030, every book opened, every story told, and every author protected moves us closer to a more informed, inclusive, and imaginative world.