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The Ghana Publishers Association (GPA) has officially launched activities to mark its 50th anniversary, using the occasion to call for renewed efforts to strengthen Ghana’s publishing industry, promote indigenous literature and expand the reach of locally produced books.
The launch event, held at the Ghana Press Centre on March 10, brought together publishers, authors, educators, policymakers and development partners to reflect on five decades of indigenous publishing and discuss the future of the industry.
Speaking at the ceremony, GPA President Edward Yaw Udzu described the milestone as an important moment in Ghana’s cultural and intellectual development. He noted that the Association was formed at a time when most textbooks used in Ghanaian schools were produced abroad, limiting the representation of local perspectives.
He explained that with support from UNESCO, indigenous publishers began producing locally authored books that reflected Ghana’s history, culture and lived experiences, helping the country take ownership of its educational content.
The anniversary is being celebrated under the theme “50 Years of Indigenous Book Publishing: Our Stories, Our Future,” highlighting the importance of Ghanaian narratives in shaping national identity and preserving cultural heritage.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Ghana Publishing Company, Nana Kwasi Boatey, urged publishers and authors to focus more on commercialising their creative works. He emphasised the need for stronger marketing and distribution strategies to ensure Ghanaian books reach wider audiences and generate greater economic value.
He also highlighted the role of digital technology in the future of publishing, revealing plans by the Ghana Publishing Company to develop an online e-book platform aimed at improving access to Ghanaian publications.
The UNESCO Representative to Ghana, Edmond Moukala N’Gouemo, praised the Association for promoting intellectual independence and preserving Ghana’s cultural identity through local publishing. He emphasised the importance of producing books in indigenous languages as part of efforts aligned with the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.
The Deputy Director-General for Technical Services at the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), Eric Amoah, also commended the GPA for supporting education by ensuring the availability of culturally relevant learning materials.
As part of the golden jubilee celebrations, the Association has planned a year-long programme of activities including workshops for authors and illustrators, reading campaigns in schools and industry engagements aimed at strengthening Ghana’s publishing ecosystem.
