There have been back-to-back conversations on education in recent weeks, beginning with JoyPrime’s morning show on August 18, 2026, and later Adom TV’s morning show on August 21. At the centre of both discussions was a group calling itself the Concerned Parents Association, raising concerns about textbook costs, “single-use” textbooks and the need to standardise textbooks.
The panels featured representatives of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), teachers, students and parents. Who was missing? PUBLISHERS.
Not only were publishers absent, but there appeared to have been no effort to contact a publisher or even reach out to the Ghana Publishers Association (GPA). I can think of only two explanations: the producers either did not know that the people who produce textbooks exist, or the discussions were designed to put publishers before a firing squad.
This is troubling because “stakeholders” was repeatedly used throughout these discussions. Yet publishers were not considered key stakeholders whose input was fundamental.
More troublingly, the discussions revealed a fundamental misunderstanding of who publishers are and what they do. The word “publishers” was repeatedly used interchangeably with “writers”. Publishers are not pamphlet writers who simply design and print documents. Traditional educational publishing is an entire ecosystem involving subject-matter experts, content development, editing, quality assurance, copyright and legal checks, design, printing, marketing, distribution, royalties and taxes. Publishers absorb the financial risks while creating employment for authors, educators, editors, marketers, illustrators and graphic designers.
Why are books so expensive?
Parents are understandably concerned about the cost of books. But blaming publishers without understanding the factors driving those costs is unfair.
The industry has quietly endured several challenges, from high evaluation fees charged by NaCCA to taxes on imported books. Since the introduction of the 21.9 per cent standard VAT (now reduced to 20 per cent) on imported books, locally developed books printed and shipped from outside the country have become more expensive. A textbook that previously cost GH¢45, for example, could attract an additional GH¢9 in VAT.
Printing locally is often presented as the obvious solution, but high printing costs and poor turnaround times can make local printing less commercially viable. The question is whether some policies intended to support local production are actually making books more expensive for Ghanaian parents.
We cannot pour new wine into old wineskins
Parents also need to recognise that education has changed. During the panel discussions, there were calls to “standardise” books. However, some parents appeared to mean a single book or brand used across the country, based on their experiences growing up. I was glad that some panellists clarified that the textbooks they remembered were purchased and supplied by the government to public schools.
There was also criticism of students writing in textbooks. But today’s curriculum is designed to encourage critical thinking, reasoning and exploration. Where parents cannot afford separate workbooks, publishers may have little choice but to integrate workbook activities into textbooks.
So, do we genuinely want educational change, or do we simply want the system we grew up with?
NaCCA must also look in the mirror
It is impressive that NaCCA has participated in these public conversations. However, some statements made by its representative require closer scrutiny.
Repeated references to September as the point at which major changes will be implemented create the impression that publishers can produce new books overnight. If the revised curriculum is still awaiting final approval, expecting quality curriculum-based books for 2026/2027 is unrealistic. Even producing books for 2027/2028 will require significant investment and effort.
NaCCA must also acknowledge inefficiencies within its own processes. Publishers have experienced long delays in the evaluation and approval of books, while the proliferation of unapproved books is partly linked to these delays. NaCCA must provide timely evaluations, clear guidelines and predictable processes. Perhaps it is time to stop treating publishers as an inconvenience.
Ghana has a publishing industry that employs people, supports communities and preserves our culture. Quality Ghanaian textbooks often use indigenous examples and illustrations, helping children see themselves reflected in what they learn. Supporting these publishers is, therefore, not merely an economic decision; it is an investment in our culture and future.
Let us get our priorities right
Parents have every right to demand affordable, accessible and quality educational materials. But meaningful solutions require all relevant stakeholders to be part of the conversation.
Parents should seek to understand the publishing industry and ensure that their children use approved textbooks. Publishers must continue to uphold quality. NaCCA and the Ministry of Education must strengthen their processes and create an environment in which reputable publishers can thrive.
Fortunately, the 23rd Ghana International Book Fair takes place from Thursday, August 27 to Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the National Theatre. Go, meet the publishers, ask questions and understand the industry because before we attempt to cure a problem, we must first cure our ignorance about it.
