The Ghana Publishers Association (GPA) has issued a dire warning, announcing that book prices will increase by 30-40% beginning in June.
The association cites the imposition of VAT on imported books and other government policies as contributing factors.
GPA President Asare Konadu Yamoah implored the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority to engage with the association to address the pressing issues affecting the industry.
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He emphasized the importance of dialogue and consultation in fostering a conducive business environment.
“We have proposed innovative measures that could enhance the industry and potentially make Ghana a printing hub in West Africa,” Yamoah stated.
“If our shared goal is the betterment of Ghana, then collaboration should be the cornerstone of the government’s relationship with businesses.”
In addition to the price increase, the GPA has expressed concerns over the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) serving as an independent regulator.
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The association demands that NaCCA’s role in book assessment and approval be revoked.
“NaCCA has openly declared its support for a specific publisher and has encouraged the Ministry of Education to produce its own textbooks,” the GPA stated.
“We find it untenable to work with an organization that abuses its power for self-serving purposes.”
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The GPA also raised alarming statistics, revealing that the Ministry of Education has yet to pay for approximately 320,000 textbooks ordered under the standard-based curriculum.