The president of Ghana Book Publishers Association (GBPA), Mr. Elliot Agyare says the Ghana Book Publishing Industry stands at a critical point due to existential threats to our very surviving as individual publishing companies.

Speaking at the 42nd annual general meeting of the Ghana Book Publishing Industry, He noted that the book publishing industry in the country needs vital attention from the government because it seems that the expectation, goals and objectives that were the underline foundation in the collaborative to have a text book development and distribution policy for Ghana has become a mirage.

He added that the policy was expected to usher the book industry into golden age in book publishing and express the hope that the review committee would complete it work early enough before the pressure to purchase books forces the adaption of temporary measures that will undermine the effort to get a truly revised TDDP that addresses most of the implementation.

This year’s annual general meeting themed “Expanding the Ghanaian publishing Frontiers Beyond the text book market”, and it brought all the stake holders in the sector together to take stock and brainstorm on the future of the industry.

In a speech read on his behalf, Mr Carlos Ahenkorah, the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, said the introduction of the free SHS, had increased enrolment in schools across the country, thereby expanding the demand base of publishers.

He urged the association to partner with government in making textbooks and other books accessible to students.

Mr Ahenkorah said there is the need to respond to the policy through massive publication of supplementary readers and other relevant books and discuss ways of promoting reading in the country. “It is important to build partnership with universities and other allied research institutions to expand your reach in publishing journals and other materials,” he said.

He also urged them to pursue business ventures with technological companies to get their publications online, adding that, it would help expand beyond textbooks as well as improve businesses.

Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, the President of Ghana Association of Writers (GAW), and the former Chairman of the National Media Commission called for collaboration between GAW and GPA to work out a campaign plan, including implementation strategies, for reading. The GAW, GBPA, GBLA together with other stakeholders accepted to work together to improve reading habits in the country to help develop a vibrant economy.