The Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL) has successfully reversed years of operational and financial difficulties by embracing the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy, according to its Managing Director, Nana Kwasi Boatey.
Speaking during a visit by President John Dramani Mahama to the company’s premises in Accra on Thursday, January 8, 205, Nana Boatey explained that the adoption of a two-shift, round-the-clock production system had not only stabilized the firm but also prevented significant job cuts.
The visit formed part of the President’s tour of key state-owned media, publishing, and printing institutions, which also included stops at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and the Graphic Communications Group Limited.
Inspired by the government’s initiative, GPCL management introduced a night shift to complement the day operations, effectively creating a 24-hour workflow. This strategic move, Nana Boatey noted, saved approximately 100 jobs that were at risk due to prior challenges.
“The reforms have drastically reduced the turnaround time for gazette publications from about eight weeks to just three weeks,” he said. “We’ve also launched a new 24-hour gazette service, allowing applicants to receive their documents within a single day.”
The MD highlighted the positive financial impacts, including a significant revenue boost that enabled the company to open a new Digital Press Centre, converted from an old warehouse.
He disclosed that GPCL within the last ten months has paid a 13th-month salary to staff without resorting to loans, approved a 40 percent salary increment, and invested GH¢15 million in fixed deposits.
President Mahama praised the leadership and board for the impressive turnaround, contrasting it with other state enterprises he had visited that were still grappling with financial woes and seeking bailouts.
“For a long time, Ghana Publishing did not have a very good brand. But it is refreshing to see that this is no longer a tale of woe,” the President remarked.
He lauded the company’s proactive adoption of the 24-Hour Economy model and urged GPCL to be among the pioneers in registering under the proposed 24-Hour Economy Authority. This, he said, would position the firm to access incentives once the framework is approved by Parliament.
The President also expressed support for GPCL’s ambitions to become a premier printing brand, including ongoing talks to secure a substantial portion of government contracts for printing textbooks and learning materials. Such opportunities, he noted, would facilitate further retooling and expansion.
As part of the visit, President Mahama officially inaugurated the new Digital Press Centre at GPCL.
Established to handle the printing, publishing, and dissemination of government publications, GPCL plays a vital role in producing essential documents such as the Ghana Gazette, Acts of Parliament, Legislative Instruments, constitutional materials, budgets, and other official state items. The company also offers commercial printing services to both public and private sectors, ensuring legal validity for government notices and laws.