Professor Daniel Bour, Provost of the College of Arts, Social Science and Technology Department, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has asked government to give contract to local publishing industries to print text books and other materials for educational institutions in the country. He asked the authorities to support the institutions to enable them to operate efficiently to help improve the economy. Prof. Bour was speaking at the Launch of the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Publishing Studies Department of KNUST, under the theme: “ 25 Years of Publishing Education in Ghana”, at the Weekend in Kumasi. He said plans were far advanced to elevate the Department into a Faculty and to construct a new complex structure to accommodate students. Prof. Bour commended the Department for the gains made over the years, saying the University was enthused by its programmes to help manifest educational activities to the public. Mr. Elliot Agyare, President of the Ghana Book Publishers Association (GBPA), said, the book publishing industry should not be left to develop on its own. He urged the local publishing industry to partner the Department to undertake specific priority projects that would enhance the activities of the Department. Mr. Joseph K. Onyina, Ashanti Regional Director of Education, urged students to cultivate reading habit. Mr. Reuben Glover, Head of Publishing Studies Department of KNUST, said the programme which started with nine students in 1984 had a current population of 736 and produced over 800 graduates most of whom were employed in various sectors of the economy. He appealed to government to provide the Department with resources, adequate infrastructure and information communication technology facilities to enhance teaching and learning. Source: GNA