Ghana needs comprehensive policies to boost publishing industry-Justice Sir Dennis Adjei
By DL News
Published
2 min read
He renewed calls for the strict enforcement of a Local Printing Policy to prevent Ghanaian printers from being undercut by foreign publishers benefiting from tax incentives
A Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei, has called for robust, enforceable policies to revitalise Ghana’s publishing sector, protect local printers, and promote literacy and national development.
Speaking at the 48th Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Publishers Association (GPA) in Accra, Justice Adjei praised the event’s theme — “Policy as a Catalyst: Transforming Ghana’s Publishing Ecosystem for National Development” — as timely and visionary.
Justice Adjei urged all players in the industry — from authors and printers to editors, designers, booksellers, and educators — to collaborate as an integrated ecosystem.
Quoting from 1 Corinthians 12:12–26, he likened the publishing chain to the human body, stressing that when one part fails, the whole system suffers.
He cautioned that without unity and local resilience, Ghana’s publishing sector would remain vulnerable to foreign dominance.
The Justice renewed calls for the strict enforcement of a Local Printing Policy to prevent Ghanaian printers from being undercut by foreign publishers benefiting from tax incentives and cheaper production costs.
He questioned why Ghanaian authors often publish abroad — in South Africa, India, or China — urging stakeholders to address the cost and quality gaps that drive them overseas.
Justice Adjei highlighted the need for continuous training and technology investment across the sector, noting that many local firms still rely on outdated machinery and unskilled labour.
He recommended a Guaranteed Purchase Scheme where government institutions would commit to buying from local authors and publishers, along with tax incentives and subsidies to reduce costs.
Referencing the National Book Policy and the 2005 Textbook Policy, he called on the government to uphold these frameworks, ensure fair textbook contracts, and prompt payment to publishers.
He warned that political interference risks undermining these goals and skewing opportunities towards a privileged few.
Justice Adjei linked his remarks to Articles 25 and 38 of Ghana’s Constitution, underscoring that educational resources are fundamental to achieving free and inclusive education.
Justice Adjei urged the Ghana Publishers Association to view its work as part of a larger creative and educational ecosystem, advocating for collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise.
