Covid-19: Ghana International Book Fair 2020 postponed.

The Ghana International Book Fair has been postponed from the planned date of August 27–30, 2020 to August 26–29, 2021 due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

The Ghana International Book Fair brings together book industry players (both local and international) like publishers, editors, authors/ writers, designers, illustrators, printers, librarians, booksellers, students, teachers and a host of allied organisations, to showcase innovations that have occurred in the publishing industry, to share ideas, foster strong links, explore business opportunities and enhance the visibility and recognition of players in the book industry. The fair organised by the Ghana Publishers Association has been running continuously for the last 17 years.

On April 27, the Planning Committee of the fair met and decided to postpone it for a year due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. A statement signed by Asare Konadu Yamoah, the Chairman of the Ghana International Book Fair, stated that human health was a priority and that upon critical assessment of the situation, the outbreak of the disease would have adverse effects on the success of the book fair should it be held on the original date.

“We have, therefore, taken the difficult decision to wait no further but act now to enable both indigenous and international exhibitors and visitors as well as the general public to rethink their plans,” it said.

This move gives certainty to the publishing industry who might have been wondering the direction their popular showcase was going to take in these trying times.