There is finally a glimmer of hope that the no textbooks syndrome associated with the Standard Curriculum will be a thing of the past.

Ghanaian publishers will finally begin printing textbooks for basic schools across the country.

Primary schools have been without textbooks for three years since government introduced the new curriculum.

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) had bitterly complained about the issue, warning it was affecting the quality of education.

It also accused government of neglecting basic education in the country.

But speaking to JoyNews, President of the Ghana Publishers Association, Asare Konadu Yamoah, disclosed their members have now signed a contract and will begin printing the textbooks.

He disclosed that they have been charged to deliver the books in 120 days.

“The contracts have been signed, and as I speak to you, all the publishers have submitted a copy to the Ministry.

“We are to deliver the books in 120 days to a designated warehouse or point of delivery. And all things being equal, we hope the books will be delivered in the expected timeframe,” he noted.

However, GNAT’s President, Dr Isaac Owusu, says teachers and students cannot wait for another four months to get the books.

According to him, the time frame will cripple basic education even further.

“We will be entering the third term of the academic year. So I believe that although it is good news, we are appealing to them to up their game to ensure that the pupils get the books before the close of this second term,” he opined.

President of the Ghana Publishers Association, Mr Yamoah, says, unlike in previous years, they will not be importing the textbooks.

He assures us the printing will be fast-tracked for early delivery before the deadline.