Prices of textbooks for Basic schools and Senior high schools in Ghana have been increased by 71 and 125 percent respectively
The new prices according to the association will take effect by September 2024.
The sharp changes in prices of stationaries was announced by the Ghana National Association of Authors and Publishers on Thursday May 9, 2024
Addressing the media in a press conference a the Center for National Culture in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region, the National Chairman for the association Mr John AKwasi Amponsah attributed the soaring prices to high import charges, exorbitant taxes, unstable exchange rate and other imposed taxes by government
Textbooks, which were selling between GH¢25 to GH¢35 in the last academic year, are now pegged at GH¢60 to GH¢100
Books for senior high schools have been moved from Gh¢ 60, Gh¢80 to Gh¢ 80, Gh¢180.
Mr Amponsah however warned that, the association will be forced to increase the prices again if nothing is done by government to address their concerns.
“In recent times, macroeconomic indicators such as high inflation, high interest rates and the introduction of high import duties on books, 27.5 percent Vat on books have increased the cost of production astronomically “. He said.
He added that, the book industry in Ghana is characterized by u unfavorable environment which threats the security and survival of the industry
He however called on authorities and stakeholders in the industry to help resolve issues confronting the authors and publishers.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng
