Some parents and guardians have expressed frustration about the high cost of text and exercise books in the market following the reopening of schools.

Speaking to JoyNews’ Hannah Odame, they lamented that some of the prices of books have doubled compared to last academic year.

“Last academic term, I bought books for around GH₵500 and GH₵700. Last time, I bought a textbook and it was GH₵35 cedis, today I asked, it is GH₵50 cedis. I bought 20 pieces of exercise books for 70 cedis today. ”

This, according to them, leaves them with no option but to be selective in what to buy, while some cannot afford them at all.

“I have spent almost GH₵1,200.00 this morning on three children. … I have exhausted what I budgeted to make purchases,” said a parent, Prince Johnson.

According to Mr Johnson, he is left with no choice than purchase the rest of the items when he receives his salary at the end of the month, adding that in the current economy, it is not advisable to make impulsive purchases.

Mr Johnson appealed to government to venture into the printing of some of these books to regulate pricing.

In a related development, some booksellers who spoke to JoyNews are asking government to work with the publishers in regulating the prices of the books and also support the local publications.

“Government should be in talks with book publishers to reduce the cost of books.”

Another seller also asked government to support by providing printing machines to enhance the work of publishers in the country.