The Ghana Printers and Paper Converters Association (GPPCA), says the decision by the Ministry of Education to print textbooks for schools nationwide from Ghanaian printing companies will stimulate economic growth and create about 20,000 jobs in the industry for the youth.
According to the Association, this will boost the activities of the struggling industry which was adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Addressing the media in Accra, Chief Executive of GPPCA, James Appiah Berko, described the move as welcoming, saying this will go a long way to help promote industrial growth and production.
Mr. Berko said, “If the government of Ghana decides that they will print their books in the country, it is something that we need to laud them for and a policy that must be greeted with joy and appreciation. Therefore, on behalf of Printers of this country, I want to tell government that this decision does not only go to empower printers, but it also empowers the teeming youth who are looking for jobs.”
Government gave the nod in 2017 for textbooks to be printed locally.
According to the directive, printers who are qualified and have the requisite capacity to execute the job and ensure quality and timeliness should be given the opportunity.
Mr. Berko said the printers have been working together with the Ministry of Education until recently when it announced that the Policy will be continued. He lauded the move saying the economy will benefit from the industry likewise Ghanaians.
Mr. Berko explained why books were not printed in the country until recently saying, books imported are quite cheaper than locally printed ones.
“Why were people importing books? It was mainly because books imported happens to be a bit cheaper. Cheaper because they came into the country free of taxes, tariffs, and Customs duties, etc. Whiles raw materials were levied or swamped with all kinds of taxes and levies,” Mr. Berko intimated.
The Association assured the Ministry of Education that the required number of Printers would be met and delivery will be on time.
Story by: Mabel Adorkor Annang.
