“God holds the copyright, as the sole author of life,” says South African poet and philosopher Dr. Gift Gugu Mona. This powerful quote reinforces the importance of copyright protection for every creator.
The Ghana Publishers Association (GPA) shares this view. Its mission is to defend and promote the rights of Ghanaian publishers by all lawful means.
In support of this cause, the GPA has partnered with Afram Publications Ghana Limited. Together, they are engaging students from four Senior High Schools in a national debate on copyright issues. This initiative forms part of the 22nd Ghana International Book Fair (GIBF), scheduled for August 20–23, 2025, at the National Theatre in Accra.
The theme for the fair is “Inclusive Publishing, Celebrating Accessible Literature.” This year’s 5th GPA–Afram Inter-Schools’ Debate features students from Tema, Okuapeman, Swedru, and Winneba SHS. Five students from each school will debate pressing national topics while enhancing their communication and critical thinking skills.
After a balloting session held on June 23, the schools were grouped into two:
- Group A: Swedru SHS will argue against the motion that illegal mining’s environmental impact results from policy failure. Winneba SHS will argue for it.
- Group B: Tema SHS and Okuapeman SHS will debate whether indiscipline in schools stems from a weak curriculum.
The winners from both groups will meet in the final round. Their topic will be:
“Has the publishing industry suffered from poor copyright enforcement—and do authors and publishers deserve protection?”
According to Prof. Esi Sutherland-Addy, Board Chair of Afram Publications, the aim is to groom well-rounded students. She emphasized the importance of values, curiosity, and fair competition.
Ms. Harriet Adelaide Tagoe, Managing Director of Afram Publications, encouraged the schools to prepare well. She expressed hope that the debate will be exciting and insightful.
Winning schools will receive plaques, books, desktop computers, and access to reading and writing workshops.
Mr. Asare Konadu Yamoah, GPA President and Chair of the GIBF Planning Committee, applauded Afram Publications for sponsoring the debate. He urged schools to involve their alumni in supporting the contest.
With the balloting completed, all is set for a vibrant intellectual showdown on August 20, 2025.