By Christiana Afua Nyarko, GNA
Accra, Nov. 2, GNA – The Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL) is pursuing an expansion strategy to position itself as a competitive printing and publishing institution in the West African sub-region, while relying on increased government printing contracts to sustain its financial recovery.
The state-owned enterprise is undertaking organisational restructuring, operational reforms and investments in production equipment to improve efficiency, expand its revenue base, and reduce dependence on external financial support.
The Managing Director of the Company, Nana Kwasi Boatey, at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, responded to questions from journalists on the company’s financial performance, legacy debts, investment plans, political interference, staff welfare and prospects for regional expansion.
The session was presided over by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, who facilitated questions from journalists.
The accountability programme, organised by the Presidency Communications Bureau, provides a platform for public officials and heads of state institutions to explain their performance, challenges and policy implementation to the public through the media.
Mr Boatey said management was committed to maintaining the financial discipline needed to sustain the company’s recovery, stressing that GPCL was a non-subvented state-owned enterprise and could not rely on government bailouts to finance its operations.
He said the company had paid more than GH¢5.4 million in corporate taxes, while dividends were not paid in 2025 because management prioritised reinvestment in the business.
The Managing Director said the company was also addressing legacy tax obligations, particularly outstanding Value Added Tax (VAT) liabilities accumulated over previous years.
He explained that the outstanding VAT liability, estimated at GH¢22 million, covered unpaid obligations spanning 2020 to 2024, adding that although portions had been settled in some years, other liabilities remained outstanding.
Mr Boatey said the company’s planned investments would be financed through internally generated funds rather than government support.
The GPCL was also preparing to convert an existing warehouse into a security printing section to accommodate new equipment and enhance its production capacity.
Management, he said, was conducting market assessments to identify business opportunities for the proposed facility and was optimistic that the investment would generate sufficient revenue to support the company’s operations.
On regional expansion, Mr Boatey said GPCL was targeting opportunities beyond Ghana but would first strengthen its operations and competitiveness before venturing into neighbouring countries.
He noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presented opportunities for the company to explore markets across the continent, although it was not yet adequately positioned to fully exploit the framework.
Mr Boatey said the company was also responsible for gazetting certain public notices, including mineral licences, lottery results, name changes and corrections of dates of birth.
Those statutory assignments, he said, provided a foundation for revenue generation, although management was seeking to diversify its commercial activities.
He said GPCL was counting on the Government to award it more printing contracts to enable it to expand production, upgrade its equipment and sustain its financial recovery.
The company, he added, was prepared to undertake additional government printing assignments as its production capacity improved.
Mr Boatey attributed the company’s progress partly to the sacrifices made by workers and management under the 24-hour production system.
He said management members and staff had worked night shifts to ensure the system operated effectively, adding that the company’s union had supported the reforms.
He assured staff that management would continue to improve their remuneration as the company’s financial position strengthened.
On allegations of political interference in recruitment and appointments, Mr Boatey said his minister had not directed him to employ or dismiss any individual.
He acknowledged receiving requests from individuals seeking employment opportunities for their relatives but maintained that recruitment decisions were based on competence and the company’s operational needs.
He said management had maintained a liberal recruitment policy while remaining focused on employing qualified personnel.
The Managing Director said the company recorded a profit after tax of GH¢16.96 million in the 2025 financial year, compared with GH¢2.23 million in 2024, following increased revenue and expenditure controls.
President John Dramani Mahama, during a visit to the company in January 2026, commended management for the turnaround and urged it to sustain the reforms and expand its printing capacity.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Christiana Afua Nyarko, GNA
Email: [email protected]