The Ghana Printers’ and Paper Converters Association has confirmed to Citi Business News government’s decision to cede the printing of textbooks to local printers will lead to the creation of about 4,000 jobs in the industry.
A statement issued by the ministry of communication touting existing jobs provided between 2010 and 2015 as well as prospective jobs to be created with new projects, indicated that the contract is worth about 100 million cedis and will create 4000 jobs.
President of the Ghana Printers’ and Paper Converters Association, William Essilfie Turkson who has been speaking to Citi Business News says the project is about forty percent complete.
William Essilfie Turkson also tells Citi Business News about 35 publishers have so far been shortlisted and are expected to forward the final work for printing to about 12 companies, of which 11 are members of the printers association.
Of the contract value of 100 million cedis, Mr. Turkson however suggests that government channels about 35 percent to meet the printing cost.
“We do not have the finance but if the Minister is saying 100 million cedis, about 35 or 40 percent should represent the printing cost because we have the publishing cost which includes compiling the manuscript for the evaluation before printing,”
Although government had projected an estimated 4000 jobs, the President of the Printers Association explains about 10 to 15 percent will be permanent.
“It will be close to the 4000, we did an estimate and discussed with them. But then they will not be permanent jobs; the permanent will be about 10 to 15 percent. The rest will be at the binding side because most of the jobs will be done at the printing side,”
The project which is expected to be completed before the start of the 2016/2017 academic year is expected to last for five months.
Citi Business News also understands publishers of the textbooks were until 2012, outsourcing their printing to foreign companies; citing the high prices charged by local printers.
An intervention by the then Education Minister, Betty Mould Iddrisu after concerns were raised by the Ghana printers association, led to the outsourcing of about 20 percent of the printing needs to local companies.
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By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana