Video: Textbook Prices Set To Increase In September, Says GNAAP

In a recent press conference, the Ghana National Association of Authors and Publishers (GNAAP) has issued a warning to parents and the public at large regarding an impending rise in textbook prices in the Ashanti Region starting from September.

The announcement, made by Mr. John Akwasi Amponsah, the president of the association, sheds light on the challenges faced by the publishing industry, particularly concerning the importation of books and the subsequent impact on pricing.

Mr. Amponsah outlined the anticipated price hikes across different educational levels, revealing that wholesale prices for kindergarten textbooks will range between Gh50 to Gh60, primary level books between Gh60 to Gh80, and junior high school textbooks between Gh80 to Gh180.

These adjustments, he emphasized, are a direct consequence of the increased value-added tax (VAT) component on book imports, which currently stands at 27.5%.

The president of GNAAP expressed concern over the debilitating effect of the VAT increment on the publishing business, highlighting the significant financial strain it places on publishers and ultimately on consumers.

He stressed that these price adjustments are not arbitrary but rather a necessary response to the economic realities faced by the industry.

The looming textbook price hike poses a considerable challenge for parents and educational institutions alike, as they grapple with the prospect of increased financial burden in procuring essential learning materials.

With education being a fundamental pillar of national development, any obstacle to accessing quality educational resources warrants serious attention and collective action.

In light of these developments, stakeholders, including government authorities, publishers, educators, and parents, are urged to engage in constructive dialogue to find sustainable solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of the impending price increments.

This may involve exploring avenues to alleviate the tax burden on book imports, incentivizing local publishing initiatives, or implementing targeted support mechanisms for vulnerable communities.

As the September deadline approaches, it becomes increasingly imperative for all concerned parties to work together towards ensuring continued access to affordable and high-quality educational materials for students across the Ashanti Region and beyond.

Only through collaborative efforts can the challenges facing the publishing industry be effectively addressed, thereby safeguarding the right to education for all Ghanaian children.

 

Watch the video below

Credit: TV 3

 

 

 

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