The Ghana Publishers Association (GPA) has marked its 50th anniversary with a national symposium at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The event, themed "Empowering Minds: The Future of Books and Literacy in Ghana," brought together publishers, academics, librarians, literacy strategists, and students to discuss the future of publishing and literacy in Ghana. The symposium aims to promote a vibrant book industry and sustainable reading culture.
GPA President, Edward Yaw Udzu, has expressed concern over the lack of a comprehensive national book policy and weak enforcement of copyright laws, which hinder the growth of the Ghanaian publishing industry. He also cited limited access to modern printing technology, affecting the quality and competitiveness of locally produced books. Udzu called on the government to introduce tax waivers on publishing materials, provide financial support and incentives for local publishers, and strengthen copyright protection.
The GPA is committed to collaborating with relevant institutions to strengthen the local publishing ecosystem and promote reading among the youth. Udzu emphasized that books are critical tools for education, knowledge sharing, and cultural preservation. He stressed the need for concerted efforts among publishers, government, and stakeholders to make books accessible and affordable to all Ghanaians. The association highlighted challenges confronting local publishers, including high printing material costs and imported paper, excessive taxes, and pirated foreign books.
Keynote speaker, Prof. Felix Narku Engmann, expressed concerns over education reforms proposing the adoption of local languages as a medium of instruction in educational institutions. He noted that while local languages can be used at the basic level, extending this to senior high and tertiary levels would be difficult due to the complexity of translating English words into local languages. Engmann cited Ghana's multilingual nature and lack of standardized scientific and technical terminologies in local languages.
Prof. Engmann urged publishers to collaborate with traditional authorities, linguists, and language specialists to develop standardized terminologies and facilitate the translation of English academic terms into local languages. He emphasized that such groundwork is essential for a pedagogically sound, culturally inclusive, and sustainable language policy. Engmann also called for reading to be made socially attractive and prioritized adult literacy through practical materials on various subjects.
The symposium featured other speakers, including Dr. Richard Bruce Lamptey, Dr. (Mrs) Lucy Ry-Kottoh, Mrs. Irene Esi Otuba Nimo Nhyira, and Kezia Adrah Agbenyega, who shared insights on publishing, educational innovation, and literacy development. A panel discussion was also held, with panelists discussing publishing, educational innovation, and literacy development. The event forms part of the GPA's 50-year contribution to education and literacy development in Ghana.
The GPA's 50th anniversary celebration serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting literacy and a vibrant book industry in Ghana. The association's efforts aim to empower people through education, knowledge sharing, and cultural preservation. As the event concluded, stakeholders emphasized the need for continued collaboration and support to ensure a sustainable reading culture and a thriving publishing industry in Ghana.
Key points
- The Ghana Publishers Association calls for a comprehensive national book policy and stronger copyright laws to boost the local publishing industry.
- The association also seeks tax waivers on publishing materials and financial support to enhance the quality and competitiveness of locally produced books.
- Keynote speaker Prof. Felix Narku Engmann emphasizes the need for standardized terminologies in local languages to facilitate education reforms.
