Ghana Publishing Company charts new era with 24-hour service and digital transformation

The Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL), the state institution responsible for safeguarding the nation’s most important legal and governmental documents, has taken a decisive leap into the future with the rollout of a 24-hour operational service model and a suite of new digital platforms aimed at transforming service delivery.

This historic initiative positions GPCL as one of the first state-owned enterprises in Ghana to operationalize a continuous working cycle, a bold response to the government’s broader call for productivity and efficiency in the public sector.

For decades, GPCL has been known as the custodian of critical records such as Acts of Parliament, Legislative Instruments, and Constitutional Instruments. With the new policy, the company is breaking away from the conventional working day by introducing a three-shift system, ensuring uninterrupted printing and publishing services.

But the transformation goes beyond time. GPCL is also advancing on the technology front. The company is preparing to fully implement its Electronic Gazette (E-Gazette) — a platform designed to provide citizens, institutions, and international partners with faster and more secure access to official government publications. Alongside it, a forthcoming E-Shop will allow users to order publications and printing services remotely, a move that reflects the growing demand for convenience and digitization.

Speaking at the launch event in Accra, Ghana’s Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, hailed the reforms as “a bold and visionary step that places GPCL ahead of many state-owned enterprises.”

He emphasized that while private entities are often seen as more agile, GPCL’s initiative demonstrates that public institutions can also drive innovation and deliver cutting-edge services.

“This 24-hour policy does more than extend working hours — it sends a clear message that state-owned companies can lead from the front,” the minister said. “If GPCL sustains this drive, it will become the benchmark for both the public and private sectors in printing and publishing.”

Mr. Ofosu assured GPCL of government’s support, pledging to advocate for more printing contracts to be directed to the company, but also cautioned that state ownership should not lead to complacency. “Public institutions must compete on merit and demonstrate excellence, not rely solely on government protection,” he added.

For Acting Managing Director, Nana Kwasi Boatey, the reforms are both a symbol of progress and a necessity. He described the 24-hour model as “a renewed commitment to innovation, efficiency, and service excellence.”

He, however, acknowledged the structural challenges facing the company, particularly the high taxes on imported paper and printing materials that continue to push up production costs.

Mr. Boatey appealed for tax relief measures, noting that such a policy would not only strengthen GPCL’s competitiveness but also lower the cost of printing services for schools, government agencies, and local businesses.

“Removing or reducing import duties on paper will keep revenue circulating within the local economy and give institutions the opportunity to print more affordably here at home,” he said. He also called for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to prioritize GPCL for their publishing needs to consolidate its role as the nation’s official printer.

Looking Toward a Digital Future

Industry observers say the twin pillars of the reform — a 24-hour working cycle and digital integration — could mark the start of a new era for GPCL. By combining accessibility, convenience, and efficiency, the company is not only safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s official documents but also aligning with global publishing standards.

For a firm with more than a century of history, the changes signal a rebirth. GPCL is no longer just a printer of government records; it is positioning itself as a modern service provider, ready to compete in both public and private markets while protecting Ghana’s documentary heritage.

As Ghana accelerates toward a knowledge-driven economy, the Ghana Publishing Company’s new direction demonstrates how bold leadership, digital transformation, and operational innovation can redefine the relevance of state-owned enterprises in the 21st century.