The Managing Director of the Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL), Nana Kwasi Boatey Esq., has called on Ghanaian publishers and writers to place greater emphasis on the commercial value of their creative works to strengthen the country’s publishing industry and contribute more significantly to national economic growth.

Mr Boatey made the remarks during the launch of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Ghana Publishers Association (GPA) at the Ghana Press Centre on Tuesday, March 10.

While commending Ghanaian publishers and writers for their commitment to preserving the country’s narratives, he stressed that the industry must now focus on transforming literary creativity into sustainable economic value.

Opening his remarks with a widely known African proverb, Mr Boatey emphasised the importance of indigenous storytelling.

“Until the stories of the forest are told also by the leavers in the forest, the tales of the forest will always favour the hunter,” he said.

According to him, the statement reflects the long-standing need for Africans to document and present their own histories and perspectives.

He acknowledged that both past and present Ghanaian publishers and writers have played a vital role in telling the country’s stories and preserving its cultural heritage.

However, he indicated that the industry has not fully capitalised on the economic potential of these efforts.

Despite the dedication of publishers and authors, Mr Boatey noted that many stakeholders in the sector do not receive adequate financial returns from their work.

“When I think about publishing, I get a little sad,” he said. “We are too committed to the art, but where is the commercialisation?”

He suggested that while Ghanaian writers and publishers invest enormous effort in producing literary works, the industry has not sufficiently developed strategies to monetise these creative outputs.

According to him, the sector must actively pursue partnerships with professionals who possess expertise in marketing, distribution and business development.

“I would encourage you to partner with people who know how to sell your stories and make you rich,” he told the audience.

Mr Boatey expressed the belief that Ghana possesses writers whose talents rival some of the greatest literary figures in history, but whose achievements remain largely unrecognised due to limited commercial exposure.

“I have no doubt that many William Shakespeares have emerged from Ghana,” he said, referencing the celebrated English playwright William Shakespeare.

However, he noted that many Ghanaian writers have not attained similar fame or financial success because they lack the commercial partnerships that helped global literary icons distribute and promote their works widely.

Mr Boatey also highlighted the transformative impact of digital technology on the publishing industry, urging stakeholders to embrace emerging platforms rather than view them as a threat.

“The world has moved from publishing paper now to digitalisation,” he said.

While some authors worry that digital publishing may reduce their income, Mr Boatey argued that it instead offers vast opportunities for wider reach and monetisation.

He cited examples of young writers using social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to distribute short stories and digital content that attract large audiences and generate income through online advertising and engagement.

According to him, such developments demonstrate how storytelling can be adapted to modern digital consumption patterns.

“Advertising on social media has become a big industry,” he said, encouraging publishers to think creatively and explore new formats and platforms for storytelling.

Mr Boatey emphasised that the publishing sector has the potential not only to promote culture and education but also to make a substantial contribution to Ghana’s economy.

He urged industry players to focus on developing publishing models that generate income, create jobs and add measurable value to the country’s gross domestic product.

“Let us begin to contribute to Ghana not only through our literary works but also significantly to our GDP,” he said.

He noted that demonstrating the economic value of publishing would help elevate the industry’s status and attract greater national support.

Mr Boatey disclosed that the Ghana Publishing Company has already begun repositioning itself to respond to these industry changes.

The state-owned publishing institution, historically known for printing official government documents including the Ghana Gazette, is now expanding its operations to support broader publishing initiatives in the country.

According to him, the company is investing in digital infrastructure and developing an online e-book platform to make Ghanaian publications more accessible.

“We are creating an e-book shop,” he announced.

He explained that the move forms part of a broader transformation aimed at supporting publishers, authors and literary organisations across Ghana.

Mr Boatey noted that the institution’s evolving identity is also reflected in its branding. The signage previously associated with Assembly Press at its premises has now been replaced with the name Ghana Publishing Company, symbolising a broader mandate beyond government publications.

“Our pride does not lie only in publishing the Ghana Gazette,” he said. “It lies in partnering with the publishers of all literary works in Ghana.”

He added that the company aims to help preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage while also ensuring that the country’s literary output generates sustainable economic benefits.

The launch of the GPA’s 50th anniversary celebrations brought together publishers, authors, educators and policymakers to reflect on the achievements of indigenous publishing in Ghana and explore strategies for its future growth.

Mr Boatey urged industry stakeholders to combine creativity with business innovation so that Ghana’s rich literary traditions can thrive in both cultural and economic terms.

By strengthening commercial strategies and embracing digital platforms, he said, Ghanaian storytelling can reach wider audiences and play a greater role in national development.