GPPCA endorses local printing of textbooks, urges government to back policy with legislation

The Ghana Printers and Paper Converters Association (GPPCA) has lauded President John Dramani Mahama’s recent directive mandating that all government textbooks be printed locally.

According to a statement signed by its president, James Appiah-Berko, the GPPCA described this move as a strategic step toward resolving the country’s persistent textbook shortage and boosting the local print industry.

To capitalise on the initiative, the GPPCA suggested a series of steps the government could take, including eliminating all pre-production tariffs, suspending agreements that flood local markets with imported books, and imposing levies on imported textbooks.

“Government should take advantage of this provision to impose some levies on imported books, thus providing stability within the local printing industry,” it stated.

The association affirmed its readiness and capacity to support the government in this initiative.

“In a previous major contract cycle, only three out of many capable local printers managed to produce and deliver the entire consignment, proving technical competence, operational readiness, and national commitment,” the statement continued.

The GPPCA also highlighted the potential of the 24‑hour economy, stating that many printing firms currently operate under capacity, with equipment idle outside a single shift.

“Printers can work in the envisaged 3-eight-hour shift system, given that most printing and package production companies are under-utilising their capacity, with machines lying idle for want of printing and packaging job contracts,” the statement said.

Looking ahead, the GPPCA is requesting that the government pass legislation requiring 100% local sourcing for government printing needs, remove all exemptions on imported finished printed goods, and foster a business-friendly environment that enables local printers to expand, create jobs, and increase tax remittances.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the GPPCA’s readiness to collaborate with relevant government agencies to ensure the effective rollout of this landmark policy.

“GPPCA is committed to building strong relationships with key stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education, and other industry partners to effectively advocate for and sustain trust and support for the effective implementation of the President’s revolutionary drive,” it concluded.

ID/MA

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