GPA bemoans weak national book policy and enforcement of copyright laws, marks 50th anniversary with national symposium

The Ghana Publishers Association (GPA) has observed the lack of a comprehensive national book policy and weak enforcement of copyright laws continue to hamper the growth of the Ghanaian publishing industry.

The President of the Association, Edward Yaw Udzu, also says limited access to modern printing technology affects the quality and competitiveness of locally produced books.

He has therefore called on the government to introduce tax waivers on publishing materials, provide financial support and incentives for local publishers, strengthen copyright protection, and implement a robust national book policy to revamp the sector.

He further reaffirmed the Association’s readiness to collaborate with relevant institutions to strengthen the local publishing ecosystem and inculcate the habit of reading among the youth.

Mr. Udzu was addressing the GPA’s Golden Jubilee National Symposium at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) as part of activities marking its 50th anniversary.

The two-day symposium at KNUST on the theme “Empowering Minds: The Future of Books and Literacy in Ghana,” brought together publishers, academics, librarians, literacy strategists and students to deliberate on the future of publishing and literacy in Ghana.

The symposium forms part of activities marking 50 years of the GPA’s contribution to education and literacy development in Ghana.

Mr. Yaw Udzu underscored the GPA’s commitment to promoting a vibrant book industry and a sustainable reading culture as a cornerstone for national development.

He noted that books remain a critical tool for education, knowledge sharing and cultural preservation, and stressed the need for concerted efforts among publishers, government and other stakeholders to make books accessible and affordable to all Ghanaians.

He, however, outlined a number of challenges confronting local publishers that require urgent government intervention.

These include the high cost of printing materials and imported paper, excessive taxes and import duties on books and publishing inputs, inadequate financing for indigenous publishers, and the influx of pirated and foreign books on the Ghanaian market.

Keynote speaker at the event, Prof. Felix Narku Engmann, Head of Department at the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), expressed concern over ongoing discussions on education reforms proposing the adoption of a local language as a medium of instruction in educational institutions.

According to him, while local languages can effectively serve as a medium of instruction at the basic level, extending the practice to senior high and tertiary levels would be extremely difficult.

“The local language can be used as a medium of instruction at the basic level, but for senior high and tertiary levels, it will be difficult because a lot of English words are difficult to translate into local languages,” he said.

Prof. Engmann explained that Ghana’s multilingual nature, with over 80 local languages, makes the selection of a single indigenous language for national instruction problematic and potentially divisive.

He further cited the lack of standardised scientific and technical terminologies in Ghanaian languages, which makes it difficult to teach advanced subjects such as Medicine, Engineering, Law and the Sciences.

Additionally, he noted that adopting a local language at the higher levels of education could have far-reaching implications for national cohesion and Ghana’s global competitiveness, as English remains the dominant language for international academic research, trade, technology and diplomacy.

He therefore urged publishers to take a leading role by collaborating with traditional authorities, linguists and language specialists, and leveraging modern technological strategies, including digital tools and artificial intelligence, to develop standardised terminologies and facilitate the translation of English academic terms into local languages before any national decision is taken on the matter.

He emphasised that such groundwork is essential to ensure that any future language policy is pedagogically sound, culturally inclusive and sustainable.

Prof. Engmann further called for reading to be made socially attractive. He added that communities and schools should recognise young readers and organise literary discussions and creative writing activities.

He also emphasised the need to prioritise adult literacy through practical materials on financial literacy, health, agriculture, entrepreneurship, vocational skills, digital competence and civic participation to help adults improve their livelihoods and participate fully in society.

Prof. Engmann noted that the ultimate purpose of books is not merely to fill shelves, and literacy is not just an educational requirement.

“Their deeper purpose is to empower people – to awaken imagination, clarify difficult concepts, inspire enterprise, improve farming, support informed citizenship and open new possibilities,” he said.

He cautioned that Ghana must avoid two extremes: assuming printed books alone can meet future needs, and assuming digital technology will automatically solve literacy challenges.

Other speakers at the symposium included Dr Richard Bruce Lamptey, Librarian, KNUST; Dr (Mrs) Lucy Ry-Kottoh, Senior Lecturer, Publishing Studies, KNUST; Mrs Irene Esi Otuba Nimo Nhyira, Lecturer, Publishing Studies Department, KNUST; and Kezia Adrah Agbenyega, Publishing and Literacy Strategist.

A panel discussion was also held, with panelists sharing insights on publishing, educational innovation and literacy development.