Ghana Publishers Association Urges Renewed National Commitment to Publishing Industry Growth

Explore the urgent call from Ghana’s publishing leaders for stronger policies to transform the sector into a driver of national development, literacy, and cultural identity.

Introduction

The Ghana publishing industry stands at a crossroads, poised for transformation through targeted policy reforms. At the 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Ghana Publishers Association (GPA), held at the Accra City Hotel, President Mr. Asare Konadu Yamoah delivered a compelling address themed “Policy as a Catalyst: Transforming Ghana’s Publishing Ecosystem for National Economic Growth.” This event drew stakeholders from government, education, and creative industries, highlighting publishing’s untapped potential as a cornerstone of Ghana’s economic and cultural landscape.

Mr. Yamoah described the publishing sector Ghana as more than an industry—it’s a “cultural compass” and “developmental engine” that preserves stories, educates youth, and reflects national identity. Yet, despite contributions to literacy and civic awareness, it remains under-resourced. This introduction sets the stage for understanding why a renewed national publishing policy in Ghana is essential for sustainable growth.

Analysis

The AGM speeches provided a comprehensive analysis of challenges and opportunities in the Ghana publishing industry, underscoring the need for collaborative policy frameworks.

Mr. Asare Konadu Yamoah’s Keynote Insights

In his opening remarks, GPA President Mr. Asare Konadu Yamoah called for a “renewed national determination” to elevate publishing earnings. He positioned policy as the “architecture of opportunities,” urging reforms that integrate innovation, inclusion, and equitable growth. Key proposals included prioritizing Ghanaian content in school curricula, using local languages, and modernizing through digital platforms accessible to people with disabilities and marginalized youth.

Yamoah lamented the sector’s under-recognition, advocating for public-private partnerships in textbook development and youth programs. He referenced continental initiatives like the Africa Rising campaign by the International Publishers Association and opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance global relevance.

UNESCO’s Endorsement

UNESCO’s National Programme Officer, Mr. Carl Ampah, speaking for Head Mr. Edward Moukala, reaffirmed support for Ghana’s publishing sector. Publishing was framed as vital for cultural expression and lifelong learning. UNESCO highlighted its economic potential, citing the UK publishing industry’s £7.8 billion contribution and 70,000 jobs, and Africa’s 5.4% share of global publishing growth. They praised Ghana’s role in the 2030 Culture Indicators Project and pushed for a National Reading Policy in English and local languages.

Government and Judicial Perspectives

Representing the Education Minister, Director Nana Baffour Awuah pledged government collaboration, urging publishers to adopt digital technologies and high standards. Supreme Court Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei emphasized enforceable policies to protect local printing from foreign competition, stressing local procurement and capacity building to sustain jobs.

Summary

The 48th GPA AGM culminated in a unified call for robust national publishing policies in Ghana. Leaders from the GPA, UNESCO, government, and judiciary advocated revitalizing outdated frameworks like the National Textbook Development and Distribution Policy (TDDP). The focus: modernize the publishing ecosystem Ghana through technology, IP protection, and cultural prioritization to drive economic growth and literacy.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For stakeholders in the Ghana publishing industry, implementing AGM recommendations requires actionable steps. Publishers should invest in digital tools like e-books and audiobooks to expand reach. Educators can integrate local stories into lesson plans, promoting literacy in indigenous languages such as Twi, Ga, and Ewe.

Government bodies might pilot public-private partnerships for textbook procurement, ensuring transparency. Authors and creators could join GPA initiatives for capacity building. To build a reading culture, communities can organize book fairs and library programs, drawing from UNESCO’s lifelong learning models. Businesses aligned with publishing—printing, distribution—should align operations with local content mandates for competitive edges.

Steps for Publishers

1. Audit current digital capabilities and upgrade for accessibility.
2. Collaborate with schools on Ghanaian-authored materials.
3. Advocate via GPA for policy input.

Points of Caution

Speakers issued warnings to avoid pitfalls in reforming Ghana’s publishing sector. Justice Adjei cautioned that without strict enforcement of local printing policies, foreign competition could erode jobs and favor politically connected firms. Mr. Yamoah noted slow progress on TDDP due to fragmented procurement, risking inefficiency.

UNESCO stressed evidence-based policies via data projects to prevent misallocation. Over-reliance on English without local languages could marginalize communities, while ignoring IP updates leaves creators vulnerable to piracy. Stakeholders must ensure inclusivity to prevent exacerbating inequalities in the publishing ecosystem Ghana.

Comparison

Comparing Ghana’s publishing industry to global benchmarks reveals growth potential. The UK’s sector generates £7.8 billion annually, supporting 70,000 jobs through strong policies, digital innovation, and exports—mirroring GPA’s vision. Africa contributes 5.4% to global publishing growth, with AfCFTA opening markets akin to Europe’s single market benefits.

Unlike mature markets, Ghana faces under-resourcing but shares challenges like digital divides with other African nations. Successful models, such as Nigeria’s vibrant local publishing, emphasize policy alignment with education, offering lessons for Ghana’s national publishing policy.

Global vs. Ghana Metrics

Legal Implications

Legal aspects are central to strengthening Ghana’s publishing sector. The call to review Copyright Act 690 (2005) addresses weak IP enforcement, enabling piracy that undermines author earnings. Stronger protections would ensure fair remuneration, fostering creativity as per international standards like Berne Convention, which Ghana ratified.

Enforceable local printing policies, as urged by Justice Adjei, comply with procurement laws to prioritize domestic firms, preventing WTO violations while protecting jobs. AfCFTA integration requires harmonized IP rules for cross-border trade. Non-compliance risks litigation and lost revenue, making policy updates legally imperative.

Conclusion

The GPA’s 48th AGM marks a pivotal moment for Ghana’s publishing industry. By embracing policy as a catalyst, Ghana can unlock economic growth, cultural preservation, and educational excellence. As Mr. Yamoah stated, “Let policy be our catalyst. Let publishing be our legacy.” Collaborative action positions the sector as a continental leader, benefiting literacy, innovation, and identity for generations.

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