The Ghana Printers and Paper Converters Association (GPPCA) has reported a significant drop in the demand for printed materials, such as flyers and posters, during the current election campaign compared to the 2020 elections.
Mr. James Appiah Berko, President of the Association, explained that political parties are increasingly relying on social media advertising rather than traditional printed materials. “If you observe closely, there are far fewer posters of political parties this year compared to previous election periods,” he stated.
This shift, Mr. Berko said, is largely due to advancements in technology and the growing digitalization of campaigns, with political parties turning to social media platforms, radio, and television to communicate their messages. Additionally, some parties have their own printing presses, further contributing to the reduction in external printing demands.
He also pointed out that many political parties partner with printing companies on a pay-later basis, which has impacted the revenue streams of printing businesses within the Association.
Addressing the issue of pricing, Mr. Berko acknowledged that while printing costs for political parties are kept moderate, the high costs of paper and taxes on printing materials have driven up overall expenses. Despite these hurdles, he emphasized that elections still play a significant role in supporting the printing industry and called on the government to consider reducing taxes on printing equipment to ease the burden on the sector.
Mr. Samuel Turkson, Business Development Manager of the GPPCA, added that some Association members print for political parties as a form of support, often due to political affiliations. He highlighted the fierce competition in pricing, noting that if local printers set prices too high, parties may opt to import materials from countries like China, resulting in losses for the local printing industry.
Despite the challenges, Mr. Turkson urged the government to invest in the printing sector, as it has the potential to boost job creation and employment, particularly in fields like graphic design. The Association also remains committed to promoting skills development through workshops and training programs, which enhance the expertise of printing professionals and support the growth of small and medium-sized printing businesses.
In conclusion, the GPPCA continues to play a critical role in Ghana’s economic, social, and educational development by supporting the local printing industry and fostering entrepreneurship.
