Ghana Publishers Association marks 50th anniversary and calls for industry policy reform

The Ghana Publishers Association marked its 50th anniversary with a national symposium, MyJoyOnline reported on 31 October 2026. During the event, the industry group warned that the absence of a comprehensive national book policy is currently impeding the growth of the Ghanaian publishing sector. [1]

According to MyJoyOnline, the association highlighted that weak enforcement of existing copyright laws continues to harm local trade. Edward Yaw Udzu, the president of the Ghana Publishers Association, stated that restricted access to modern printing technology further damages the quality and international competitiveness of locally produced books. [1]

To support the domestic market, Edward Yaw Udzu called on the government to establish tax waivers on publishing materials. According to MyJoyOnline, the association is also seeking direct financial support, targeted incentives for local publishers, and stronger legal protections for copyright holders. [1]

The challenges in Ghana reflect broader international discussions surrounding copyright frameworks and legal protections for publishers. As FTMQ Books reported earlier, publishing bodies in other markets including South Korea have similarly warned about regulatory gaps in copyright legislation affecting domestic book trade stability. [1][3]