Ghana Publishers Association Calls for Policy Collaboration to Boost National Development
The Ghana Publishers Association (GPA) recently held its 48th annual general meeting, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the Ministries of Education and Culture to shape the African regional publishing landscape. The event focused on the theme, “Policy as a Catalyst: Transforming Ghana’s Publishing Ecosystem for National Development.”
Mr Asare Konadu Yamoah, the President of GPA, highlighted the importance of initiating urgent dialogue to leverage opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He mentioned that during a recent Inter-African Trade Fair, the Algerian edition hosted a roundtable with the African Publishers Network (APNET) on establishing a Continental Book Fair. Additionally, the AfCFTA introduced processes to incorporate publishing into the fair.
Yamoah stressed the need for a shared commitment among publishers, allied sectors, and policymakers to develop a comprehensive national publishing policy that offers clear direction and tangible incentives. He recalled past collaborations between stakeholders and government in developing key policies such as the National Textbook Development and Distribution Policy (TDDP) and the National Book Development Policy under the Ghana Book Development Council.
He noted that while these were milestones, current fragmented policies have diluted their impact. Yamoah urged synchronization of existing policies to make them relevant, purposeful, and future-facing. He called on fellow publishers to become policy advocates, raising their collective voice to highlight the transformative power of publishing.
“Let us transform our ecosystem—not just for publishers, but for every Ghanaian child who deserves to see themselves in the pages of a book,” he stated. Yamoah concluded by urging advocacy for policies that would be catalysts for growth, expansion, and legacy.
Mr Edmond Moukala, Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO to Ghana, emphasized the timeliness of the meeting’s theme. He noted that strong coherent policies are levers for transformation. In Ghana, the national book policy, the national reading policy, and the textbook procurement policy form a foundation for a modern resilient publishing sector capable of driving national growth.
Moukala also highlighted that effective policy creates an enabling environment where talents, innovation, and investment can flourish. He cited global examples, stating that in the UK, books and journals contribute about 7.8 billion pounds to the economy and support 70,000 jobs. Across Africa, the sector represents about 5.4% of global publishing revenue, with potential to grow to 18.5 billion dollars with reforms.
He mentioned that Ghana’s participation in UNESCO’s 2013 Culture Indicators Project could guide this growth, providing data to understand the sector’s dynamics year after year.
Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, commended the GPA for its efforts in promoting the book industry and literacy in Ghana. He recognized the crucial role of the association in developing educational materials that shape learners’ minds. The Ministry of Education pledged to work closely with stakeholders to develop policies and programs supporting the sector’s growth.
Iddrisu added that the ministry would continue collaborating with the GPA to create an enabling environment for the Ghanaian book industry. He aligned with the GPA’s chosen theme, noting its relevance to President John Dramani Mahama’s Resetting Agenda.
“We associate ourselves with your theme as it aligns with building a prosperous and knowledgeable society,” Iddrisu said. He emphasized the publishing industry’s role in shaping citizens’ minds and preserving cultural heritage, calling for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.
Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei, a Judge of the Supreme Court, urged stakeholders to unite and produce publications to eradicate illiteracy and promote national development. Professor Yaw Nyadu Offei, Audiologist at the University of Education, Winneba, and chairman of the event, highlighted the critical role of strong publication policies in driving creativity, innovation, and sustainability.
He noted that in a knowledge-driven world, the publishing industry is not just about producing books but also about shaping minds, preserving culture, fueling education, and research to power national development. Prof Offei urged industry players to view policies as instruments that empower local initiatives, strengthen intellectual property rights, and provide access to knowledge and learning materials.
“So, let us all inspire action, form partnerships, and advocate thorough thinking policies that would eventually convert our ecosystem into a true pillar of national development,” he concluded.