{"id":102060,"date":"2025-11-05T17:38:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-05T17:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=102060"},"modified":"2025-11-05T17:38:00","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T17:38:00","slug":"justice-dennis-adjei-urges-strong-local-policies-to-boost-ghanas-publishing-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=102060","title":{"rendered":"Justice Dennis Adjei urges strong local policies to boost Ghana\u2019s publishing industry"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei, FGA, has called for comprehensive and enforceable policies to strengthen Ghana\u2019s publishing industry, safeguard local production, and enhance the nation\u2019s literacy and educational development.<\/p>\n

Addressing the 48th Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Publishers Association (GPA) at the Accra City Hotel, Justice Adjei commended the Association for choosing the theme, \u201cPolicy as a Catalyst: Transforming Ghana\u2019s Publishing Ecosystem for National Development.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

He described the theme as \u201ctimely and thought-provoking,\u201d and called on all actors within the publishing ecosystem to unite and drive meaningful change through sound policy and collaboration.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe topic calls upon publishers, authors, printers, distributors, booksellers, readers, literary agents, editors, designers, industry associations, libraries, and educational institutions to develop policies that drive positive change and improvement in the publishing industry,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Justice Adjei likened the publishing ecosystem to the human body, drawing inspiration from 1 Corinthians 12:12\u201326 to illustrate the importance of interdependence among all industry players.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIf one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it,\u201d he quoted. \u201cWe need all the components of the publishing ecosystem to come together as a team to produce books, journals, magazines, and other publications that can eradicate illiteracy and promote national development.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

He noted that the publishing sector cannot thrive without close collaboration between authors, printers, editors, designers, booksellers, readers, and educational institutions. Strong unity, he said, would enable Ghana\u2019s publishing industry to withstand competition from foreign publishers and retain control of local book production.<\/p>\n

Justice Adjei called for the strict implementation of a Local Printing Policy to protect domestic printers and publishers from being edged out by foreign firms that benefit from tax incentives and cheaper production costs.<\/p>\n

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\u201cLocal printing policies must be strictly observed to protect local industries,\u201d he stressed. \u201cOtherwise, our industries will operate below capacity, be forced to charge higher prices, and eventually collapse, resulting in job losses and economic setbacks.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

He questioned why some Ghanaian authors publish their books abroad in countries such as South Africa, India, and China, and urged stakeholders to examine the issues of quality and production costs that drive such decisions.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIf industries are not protected, the smaller ones may be forced to liquidate, with severe economic consequences, including labour layoffs,\u201d he cautioned.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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\"Justice<\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Justice Adjei emphasised the need for capacity-building programmes to help local publishers and printers improve production quality and efficiency. He observed that many firms still rely on outdated machinery and unskilled labour, limiting their competitiveness.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIndustries in this modern world cannot thrive when their staff lack business acumen and technological expertise,\u201d he said. \u201cCapacity building must be continuous so local industries can produce high-quality books at lower cost.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

He highlighted the importance of the National Book Policy and the 2005 Textbook Policy\u2014both designed to promote local publishing and printing, create jobs, and foster literacy\u2014and urged the government to uphold these frameworks by ensuring textbook contracts are awarded fairly and payments made promptly, free from political bias.<\/p>\n

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\u201cUntil these bottlenecks are addressed, such policies risk favouring only a few industries perceived to have political connections,\u201d he warned.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Justice Adjei further proposed a Guaranteed Purchase Scheme, under which the government and its agencies would commit to purchasing books and publications from local authors and publishers. He also suggested tax incentives and subsidies to reduce production costs and improve competitiveness.<\/p>\n

Linking his remarks to Ghana\u2019s constitutional obligations under Articles 25 and 38, Justice Adjei emphasised that books and educational resources are indispensable to achieving the country\u2019s goals of free, quality, and inclusive education.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThere cannot be human development in a country without publishers,\u201d he affirmed. \u201cTextbooks, workbooks, storybooks, and digital books are essential tools that help students develop knowledge, critical thinking, and a love of reading.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\"Justice<\/figure>\n

He called for policies that promote a reading culture, ensure access to quality literature, and create a conducive environment for publishers and authors to thrive.<\/p>\n

Justice Adjei reminded the Ghana Publishers Association that its work is interconnected with the broader creative and educational ecosystem. He urged publishers to collaborate, share expertise, and build strong professional networks that enhance productivity and efficiency.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe Ghana Publishers Association must recognise that their work is interconnected and interdependent with the wider ecosystem,\u201d he said. \u201cThey must adapt, evolve, and create value for their stakeholders to remain relevant.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Justice Adjei commended the GPA for its inclusive approach to industry dialogue, emphasising that the publishing industry remains at the heart of human and national development.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThere can be no human development without the work of publishers,\u201d he concluded. \u201cPublishers provide the basic tools for education, enlightenment, and progress through the books, journals, and literature they produce.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

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