CAPACITY BUILDING IN THE PRINTING INDUSRTY NEW

KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY,
KUMASI, GHANA
COLLEGE OF ART AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT
FACULTY OF ART
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLISHING STUDIES
CAPACITY BUILDING IN THE PRINTING INDUSRTY:
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
(THE GHANAIAN EXPERIENCE)
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTEMNT OF PUBLISHING
STUDIES, FACULTY OF ART IN PARTIAL FULLFILMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENT, FOR THE AWARD OF BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE IN
PUBLISHING STUDIES
By
RICHMOND DARKO YEBOAH
RICHARD ODEI-NKANSAH
GEORGE PAA KWESI ADAMS
MAY, 2015

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DECLARATION
We declare that this thesis was personally and written by us under supervision. It has not
been partially or wholly plagiarized or presented by anybody for the award of B.A.
Degree in any department or institution. We take responsibility for any error found in it.
Date: …. May, 2015 …………………………………
Richmond Darko Yeboah
Date: …. May, 2015 …………………………………
Richard Odei-Nkansah
Date: …. May, 2015 …………………………………
George Paa Kwesi Adams
I declare that I supervised these students in writing this thesis and they have my
authorization to present this thesis for assessment.
Date: …. May, 2015 ……………………………………
O-A. de-Graft Johnson
(Supervisor)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CAPACITY BUILDING IN THE PRINTING INDUSRTY: OPPORTUNITIES AND
CHALLENGES ............................................................................................................... i
DECLARATION ............................................................................................................ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS...............................................................................................iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.......................................................................................... vii
DEDICATION.............................................................................................................viii
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................... ix
CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................... 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND....................................................................... 1
1.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT....................................................................................... 2
1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY.............................................................................. 4
1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS ...................................................................................... 4
1.4 METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................... 4
1.6 REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 6
CHAPTER TWO .............................................................................................................. 7
2.0 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE................................................................ 7
2.1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 7
2.2 WHAT IS CAPACITY BUILDING?....................................................................... 7
2.3 NATURE OF CAPACITY BUILDING................................................................... 9

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2.4 EFFECTIVE CAPACITY BUILDING .................................................................. 11
2.5 CAPACITY BUILDING CYCLE/ PROCESS....................................................... 12
2.6 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................... 14
CHAPTER THREE........................................................................................................ 16
3.0 METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................... 16
3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN............................................................................................ 16
3.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY POPULATION ............................................... 16
3.3 POPULATION SAMPLING.................................................................................. 18
3.4 DATA COLLECTION METHOD AND TOOLS.................................................. 18
3.5 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS ........................................................................ 19
3.6 PROBLEMS OF METHODOLOGY/ LIMITATIONS ......................................... 20
CHAPTER FOUR........................................................................................................... 21
4.0 FINDING AND DISCUSSIONS.............................................................................. 21
4.1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 21
4.2 FIELD DATA ......................................................................................................... 21
FRONTIERS PRINTING AND PUBLISHING LTD, ACCRA...................................... 22
GRAPHICS (G-PAK), ACCRA....................................................................................... 26
TYPE COMPANY LTD., ACCRA.................................................................................. 29
CALL PRINT LTD., ACCRA.......................................................................................... 31
BESTAS LTD., ACCRA.................................................................................................. 34

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ASSEMBLIES OF GOD COMPANY LTD., ACCRA.................................................... 36
BUCK PRESS, ACCRA................................................................................................... 39
R-OX LIMITED, ACCRA................................................................................................ 41
INNOLINK PRINT AND GRAPHIX INDUSTRY......................................................... 42
DESIGN PRESS, KUMASI ............................................................................................. 44
ALPHA AND OMEGA PUBLICATIONS/PRESS, KUMASI ....................................... 47
NHYIRA PRINTING PRESS, KUMASI......................................................................... 49
ASHMETRO PRINTS, KUMASI.................................................................................... 51
CLETTONY PRESS, KUMASI....................................................................................... 52
YASARKO PRESS LTD., ACCRA................................................................................. 54
4.3 NATURE OF THE PRINTING INDUSTRY IN GHANA.................................... 55
4.4 SOME CHALLENGES HINDERING CAPACITY BUILDING IN THE
PRINTING INDUSTRY............................................................................................... 56
4.4 OPPORTUNITIES LEFT IDLE IN THE PRINTING INDUSTRY ...................... 58
4.6 THE NEED FOR CAPACITY BUILDING IN THE PRINTING INDUSTRY. ... 60
CHAPTER FIVE ............................................................................................................ 61
5.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECCOMMENDATION............................ 61
5.1 SUMMARY............................................................................................................ 61
5.2 CONCLUSION.................................................................................................. 62
5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS........................................................................................ 62

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REFERENCE.................................................................................................................. 64
APPENDIX...................................................................................................................... 66
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS/ GUIDE ........................................................................... 66

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We express our profound appreciation to our supervisor, O-A. de-Graft Johnson for being
a guide to us throughout the period of demanding research. We salute him with a
statement that, we shall never forget our mentoring and coaching under his guidance.
Likewise, we express our deepest appreciation to our parents, families and friends for the
moral and physical support they provided us since time immemorial. Never can we rule
them out of our good books.
Lastly, we utter a big thank you to all the print houses or presses who responded
to our interviews. This research could not have been completed without your willing
response.

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DEDICATION
We dedicate this work to our parents and supervisor for their commitment, prayers and
support to our education.

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ABSTRACT
This research was embarked on to reveal capacity building in the printing industry. In an
attempt to ensure an effective research work, the we used some data collecting tools,
thus conducting interviews among the print houses, surfing the internet and analysing
document. The interviews were used as the prime data gathering tool whilst surfing the
internet and analyzing document were used as supportive tools to complement the
responses from the interviews to seek the necessary in-depth information.
The research showed that, capacity building is a dynamic process that is often part of a
broader developmental or change process. It also refers to the skills and capabilities of
individuals. Organisations have ‘capacity’ in relation to every part of the organisational
work, thus governance, leadership, mission and strategy, administration (including
human resources, financial management, and legal matters), programme development and
implementation, fund raising and income generation, diversity, partnerships and
collaboration, evaluation, advocacy and policy change, marketing, positioning, planning,
etc.
Based on the findings revealed by the research, the researchers concluded on the
note that, the printing industry is progressing even in the lights of socio-economic,
political and financial issues affecting the industry and this was buttressed by the
existence of a lot of opportunities.
However, with regards to the future of the industry and this study, the future of the print
industry in Ghana is very bright.

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CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND
Printing in Ghana dates back to the early missionaries in the country. From then to now
there has been a tremendous increase in volume of printing work done in the country. As
far back as 1851, the Methodist Mission had opened a printing house at Cape Coast. This
press was also made use of by the Basel Mission.
A man of Abura Dunkwa in the Central Region, Hutton Brew, was the first African to
establish a printing press in Ghana. He started operation of his press in 1874. The early
1900s and the late 1930s saw a tremendous increase in the volume of printing work done
in this country. This was due to the increase in industrial, commercial, and other activities
of the government and also developments in education and health. Since then, printing
has become an important aspect of publishing industry in Ghana. However, most of these
Printing Houses are concentrated in the nation’s capital-Accra.
As the printing industry continues to grow, there is the need to increase capacity in order
to meet the ever rising demand for printed matter. Most printers currently operating in the
country are small scale printers, so for them to be able to compete with printers overseas
they must increase their capacity. Drawing a comparison between the Ghanaian Printing
Industry and the Indian Printing Industry:
Capacity building is a dynamic process that is often part of a broader developmental or
change process. As a consequence, it is difficult to plan in advance which steps will need
to be taken, or in which order. Research has not indicated any single model or framework

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or set of approaches, which is guaranteed to succeed in building capacity and improving
performance.
Capacity building by UNDP (United Nations Development Plan) is the creation of an
enabling environment with appropriate policy and legal frameworks, institutional
development, including community participation, human resources development and
strengthening of managerial systems. UNDP recognizes that capacity building is long-
term continuing process, in which all stakeholders participate.
According to (Robert Franco, 2014) printing is a revenue making industry that involves
an operative capacity building. Some challenges preventing the print industry from
achieving its capacity range from the lack of finance to invest in new technology and
high import duties through to unreliable power supplies in the country, lack of
availability of certain substrates and media in others, slow or non-payment by customers
and government corruption
1.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT
Capacity building is now a growing trend among both private and government printing
companies. In spite of the goods and services provided by our printing companies, they
face some problems and challenges in building their capacity. They have the edge to
grow and become more competitive yet they face numerous challenges that needs to be
dealt with, so that they may be able to compete with presses outside the country. Some
of the challenges being faced in the Printing Industry in Ghana are as follows; cost of
materials such as papers, inks, adhesives, unreliable power supplies, unstable economy

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and etc. are relative to those countries which are able to produce their own raw materials
hence making printing in the country very expensive. Taxes charged on print products in
the country, poor quality of print works done in the country, lack of skilled personnel
which is also a factor to consider in capacity building are among many others which are
yet to be mentioned and further explained in our submission. However, in the likes of
opportunities which are being over looked in our Printing Industry can be attributed to
factors like the following; employment is expected to decline in the face of increasing
computerization and expanding use of internet, this is going to be an opportunity for most
printing houses since wages and salary payments may be channeled into different areas.
A statistic made by (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor)
computerization which is an opportunity may eliminate many prepress and some
production jobs, but also provide new job opportunities for digital typesetters, desktop
publishers and other computer-related occupations which is also seen as opportunities for
workers in the printing industry.
This research was intended to explore and unravel some challenges hindering our printing
presses from building their capacity and also some opportunities, which were vital to the
growth and development of the printing industry in Ghana. (Eyiah, 2002).

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1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
 To assess the nature of the printing industry in Ghana in relation to its capacity
and capability. Whether the industry is progressing or retrogressing.
 To identify and examine the capacity of the industry in terms of the opportunities
and challenges from a Ghanaian perspective. The challenges are the difficulties
impacting on the industry’s growth and prospects and the opportunities are the
initiatives that have to be taken advantage of.
 To establish a basis for strategic capacity building in the printing industry in
Ghana.
1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The study was intended to address the questions:
 What was the nature of Ghana’s printing industry?
 What were the opportunities of the printing industry in Ghana?
 What were the major challenges the printing industry and therefore the need for
capacity building?
1.4 METHODOLOGY
Both Primary and Secondary data collection methods were used. The methods in seeking
information for the study included:
1. Primary data is the main source of data collection that was used to acquire the
data.

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Interviews were used because the study was a qualitative study. The respondents were the
production managers and the general managers of the various printing presses.
2. Secondary data that were used included surfing the internet and document
analysis to aid us in our data collection.
POPULATION AND SAMPLE SIZE
The Ghanaian printing industry was targeted for this study, with emphasis on selected
presses in Accra and Kumasi. Out of an estimated fifty presses in Accra ten were chosen
whiles five were chosen from Kumasi out of an estimated 35 presses.

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1.6 REFERENCES
 FESPA. (2014, June 23). FESPA. Retrieved from FESPA Web Site:
http://www.fespa.com/news/features/the-print-industry-in-africa-wide-open-
opportunity-or-fraught-with-challenges.html
 Indian Mirror. (2014). Retrieved from Indianmirror.com:
http://www.indianmirror/indian-industries/printing.html
 Joe, E. K. (2002, August 29). Ghanaweb. Retrieved from ghanaweb.com:
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/artikel.php?ID=26872

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CHAPTER TWO
2.0 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter seeks to project and comprehend previous studies made on this
particular study. It seeks to put forward the main cardinal points of Capacity
building in the Ghanaian printing industry and its opportunities and challenges,
evaluation and content analysis. Literature on all the cardinal points will be reviewed
to show the reliability of this study.
2.2 WHAT IS CAPACITY BUILDING?
According to UNCED (1992) capacity building encompasses the country’s human,
scientific, technological, organizational, institutional and resource capabilities. A
fundamental goal of capacity building is to enhance the ability to evaluate and address the
crucial questions related to policy choices and modes of implementation among
development options, based on an understanding of environment potentials and limits and
of needs perceived by the people of the country concerned.
With reference to Lusthaus et al. (1995), capacity building is an ongoing process by
which people and systems, operating within dynamic contexts, enhance their abilities to
develop and implement strategies in pursuit of their objectives for increased performance
in a sustainable way.
French & Bell (1998) explains capacity building as a long-term effort led and supported
by top management, to improve an organization's visioning, empowerment, learning, and

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problem-solving processes, through an ongoing, collaborative management of
organizational culture with special emphasis on the consultant-facilitator role and the
theory and technology of applied behavioral science, including participant action
research. We researchers agreed to the above submission that, capacity building is a long
term process, hence more effort is required to build the capacity of any organisation.
Beer (1980) asserts that capacity building is a system-wide process of data collection,
diagnosis, action planning, intervention, and evaluation aimed at: (1) enhancing
congruence between organizational structure, process, strategy, people, and culture; (2)
developing new and creative organizational solutions; and (3) developing the
organization’s self-renewing capacity. It occurs through collaboration of organizational
members working with a change agent using behavioral science theory, research, and
technology.
Capacity building is a term most commonly used when referring to organisational
development of an organisation. Capacity building is an ongoing systematic approach of
continuous learning to improve the ability and the capacity of organisations or industries
to make the most effective and efficient use of their available human and financial
resources to achieve the better yielding results for respective organisations.

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2.3 NATURE OF CAPACITY BUILDING
Capacity building can be described in terms of any of the following or a combination of
these:
• Capacity building to achieve particular outcomes.
• Capacity building in terms of particular internal functionalities and processes,
thus what people do and the systems and structures in use in the organisation
(e.g. governance, fundraising) and hidden capacities such as culture,
relationships, beliefs.
• Cross-Organisational / cross-functional capacities such as leadership.
• Capacity building to ensure the future sustainability of the organisation or
company.
Some studies make long lists of specific capacities; others set out to organise their
account in terms of a typology or framework. Yet others propose that there is a definitive
set of identified capacities that make up the overall capacity of any organisation and offer
ways of thinking about how these relate to each other.
Linnell (2003) refers to capacity building that is outcome focused, but also made up of
specific organisational capacities and, in tandem, the particular capacities of individuals.
According to Linnell, capacity is an organisation’s ability to achieve its mission
effectively and to sustain itself over the long term. Capacity also refers to the skills and
capabilities of individuals. Organisations have ‘capacity’ in relation to every part of the
organisational work: governance, leadership, mission and strategy, administration
(including human resources, financial management, and legal matters), programme

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development and implementation, fundraising and income generation, diversity,
partnerships and collaboration, evaluation, advocacy and policy change, marketing,
positioning, planning, etc. For individuals, capacity may relate to leadership, advocacy
skills, training/speaking abilities, technical skills, organising skills, and other areas of
personal and professional effectiveness.
There are eight types of organisational capacity, these are strategic leadership,
organisational structure, human resources, financial management, infrastructure,
programme and service management, process management, and inter-organisational
linkages [Lusthaus et al. (1995)]. The International Development Research Centre
Canada identifies the essential focus of capacity building, stating that ‘the aim of capacity
building is to improve the prospective performance of the organisation as reflected in its
resources and its management’.
The UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) defines capacity building as ‘the
ability of individuals, institutions and societies to perform functions, solve problems, and
set and achieve objectives in a workable manner’. According to researchers, Capacity
building is therefore the process through which the abilities to perform functions, solve
problems and to achieve workable objectives are obtained, strengthened, adapted and
maintained over a period of time. On the other hand, UNDP introduces a future-oriented
focus, emphasizing the importance of capacity building to maintain and sustain the
organisation into the future.

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2.4 EFFECTIVE CAPACITY BUILDING
Potter and Brough (2004) also propose the idea of a pyramid of capacities, although they
relate this primarily to field-level interventions and in a development context. They
suggest that these need to be considered in a logical order, to get the benefit of
investment in capacity building. The authors suggest that, as one moves down the
hierarchy/pyramid, change in capacity becomes more difficult (e.g. harder to change
culture and systemic factors), and takes longer to implement. Therefore, with regards to
the diagram below, it will be very difficult to change “Structures, Systems and Roles”
within the shortest possible time as compared to let’s say “Skills”.
Pyramid of Effective Capacity Building (Potter & Brough, 2004)
According to researchers in order to achieve effective capacity, with reference to Potter
and Brough (2004), there should be effective use of tools which will definitely require
skills. However, skills will also require staff and infrastructure to enable its effective use.
And lastly, staff and infrastructure will also require structures, systems and roles to
enable their effective use.

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Reflecting current thinking on effective sequencing of organisational interventions aimed
at building capacity, many approaches make use of Capacity building’s cycle of planned
change with variations. UNDP (2008) described capacity building cycle/ process approach,
using their proposed assessment of capacity.
2.5 CAPACITY BUILDING CYCLE/ PROCESS
Reflecting current thinking on effective sequencing of organisational interventions aimed
at building capacity, many approaches make use of capacity building’s cycle of planned
change, with variations. UNDP (2008) describe such an approach, using their proposed
assessment of capacity. This is described in the diagram below:
The Capacity Development Cycle/Process (UNDP, 2008).
Step 1: Engage
Stakeholders
in Capacity
Building
Step 2: Assess
capacity
assets and
needs
Step 3:
Formulate a
capacity
building
response
Step 4:
Implement a
capacity
building
response
Step 5:
Evaluate
capacity
building

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The literature examined in this chapter highlights the range and diversity of meanings
attributed to the concept of capacity building in organisations. Capacity can be described
in terms of the organisation’s ability to achieve particular outcomes, or in terms of long-
term sustainability and growth. Meanings range from very specific functions within an
organisation, such as financial management, to a whole-system focus on all of the
dimensions that together constitute an organisation’s overall capacity. Various
frameworks of systemic capacity exist, each taking a view on what features of
organisational life should be the subject of attention for capacity building.
The literature also climaxes how capacity building is itself a contested term, and how a
range of models, methods and tools have developed over time. The diversity of models
and interventions reflects thinking on the range of organisational capacities. Capacity
building can apply to any specific function of an organisation, or to the whole system, or
to a wider social field.
Authors making the case for a predominant systemic framework of organisational
capacity propose that, capacity building should be based on a related complete
framework for diagnosing and addressing organisational strengths, opportunities and
weaknesses. Authors that suggest a hierarchy of organisational capacities, including
higher level and often invisible capacities, suggest that the reliance among these must
inform capacity building.

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2.6 REFERENCES
 Backer, T.E., 2000, Strengthening Nonprofits: Capacity Building and
Philanthropy, Human Interaction Research Institute, University of Nevada, Las
Vegas.
 Craig, G., 2007, ‘Community Capacity-Building: Something Old, Something
New…’ Critical Social Policy, August, Vol.27 (3), pp. 335-359.
 INTRAC, 2011, ‘Empowered to influence: Capacity building for advocacy’ The
Newsletter of INTRAC, January 2011, at
http://www.intrac.org/data/files/resources/699/ONTRAC-47.pdf
 Linnell, D. (2003). Evaluation of capacity building: Lessons from the field.
Washington, DC: Alliance for Nonprofit Management.
 Lusthaus, C., Anderson, G., and Murphy, E. (1995) Institutional Assessment: A
Framework for Strengthening Organizational Capacity for IDRC‘s Research
Partners. International Development Research Centre, Ottawa.
 Kaplan, A., 2000, ‘Capacity Building: Shifting the Paradigms of Practice’,
Development in Practice Vol. 10, issues 3 and 4 (10th Anniversary Issue), pp.
517-526
 Potter, C., & Brough, R., 2004, ‘Systemic Capacity Building: A Hierarchy of
Needs’, Health Policy and Planning, Vol. 19(5), pp.336-345.
 UNDP, 2009, ‘Capacity Development: A UNDP Primer’, at
http://www.beta.undp.org/content/dam/aplaws/publication/en/publications/capacit
ydevelopment/capacity-development-a-undp-
primer/CDG_PrimerReport_final_web.pdf

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 UNDP, 2006, ‘Failure of Change Efforts – What to Look Out For’, at
http://lencd.com/data/docs/232-
Concept%20Note_Institutional%20Reform%20and%20Change%20Management-
.pdf

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CHAPTER THREE
3.0 METHODOLOGY
This chapter explains the methods used in gathering data for the study and provides the
justification for each step taken. It deals with data collection and covers how data was
derived from primary and secondary sources. The chapter also details the approach used
and conditions under which the various stages of investigations were carried out,
development of initial contacts and design of main research instruments ( interview
guides, document analysis, etc.). Five Presses in the Kumasi Metropolis and ten Presses
in the Accra Metropolis were selected for the study. The criterion for the selection of the
Presses was based on their popularity and their aptitude in print production. A period of
four months (January – April, 2015) was spent on the collection, analysis and
interpretation of the data for the study. Tables and charts were used to interpret data
where necessary.
3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN
The research was undertaken to seek qualitative data about the capacity of the Printing
houses under study. This methodology was adopted by the researchers because of the size
of the population under section 3.2
3.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY POPULATION
The study was limited to fifteen (15) Printing houses as the available population. This
number represents those Printing houses who were members of the Ghana Printers and
Paper Converters Association (GPPCA) in Ghana and a few who were not members.

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These Printing houses were virtually into general printing. In terms of their location, they
were scattered within the Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region and Accra Metropolis
in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Below is the list of the Printers:
Presses in Kumasi
1. Ashmetro Prints
2. Design Press, KNUST
3. Nhyira Printing Press
4. Alpha and Omega Publications/ Press
5. Clettony Press
Presses in Accra
1. Buck Press Ltd.
2. Type Co Ltd.
3. Call Print Ltd.
4. AGCL (Assemblies of God Company Ltd)
5. Innolink Print and Graphix Industry
6. Bestas Press Ltd.
7. R-ox Ltd.
8. G-PAK, Graphics.
9. Frontiers Printing & Publishing Ltd.
10. Yasarko Press Ltd.

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3.3 POPULATION SAMPLING
Due to the low membership of registered Printing houses in the GPPCA which
serves as the population for the study and also in order to gather the required
information in totality, attempts were made by the researchers to involve all those
registered Printing houses and a few unregistered ones in the study.
3.4 DATA COLLECTION METHOD AND TOOLS
Two kinds of data: primary and secondary were collected in order to address the purpose
of the study. Hussey et al., (1997), explain primary data to be data collected at source
whereas secondary data is data which already exists. In this thesis, both secondary and
primary data were utilized.
Primary data is information collected from the field from the respondents and data can be
qualitative or quantitative. The findings and discussions of the study are derived from the
primary data collected from the field. Several tools can be used to collect primary, but
this study employed interviews in the data gathering process.
Secondary data was sought from documents (journals, books, articles, etc.) and the
internet to review the related literature on the subject and also in writing the introductory
chapter.
The interviews were also conducted to seek in-depth information, clarifications and to
answer questions that could not be captured or answered through the use of the secondary
data collection method.

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In order to ensure an effective data gathering process, the population was divided into
three zones where the researchers were allocated to each zone to seek information from
administering of the interviews within a period of ten working days.
Having embarked on a successful interview administering process, the researchers then
studied the responses of the population and then marked out areas and responses that
needed further elaborations. This was not an easy task since majority of the population
felt they were being probe too much. Others could not make time to honour the
interviews due to their tight working schedules. To avoid potential sources of bias and to
enhance the reliability of the qualitative data, a standard information sheet was given to
the interviewees to study two days prior to the interview by mail and some were given to
them upon arrival.
This encouraged the participants to respond openly to the questions bringing out
relevant information which otherwise could not have been obtained by closed questions.
The researchers conducted face-to-face interview among the fifteen (15) selected presses.
This allowed the researchers to enquire and pose follow-up questions, although it was
seen as time consuming and costly (Neuman, 2007).
3.5 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS
The data gathered were analysed using Microsoft Word 2013 and presented some in
a descriptive, graphical and tabular form. The charts used for the graphical
representations were generated with Microsoft Excel 2013. The data obtained from
the interviews was also content analysed based on the specific objectives of the
study to complement the interview survey.

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3.6 PROBLEMS OF METHODOLOGY/ LIMITATIONS
Due to the nature of the printing industry in Ghana, administering of interviews were
tiring. Some presses were refusing the interviews. The reasons being that, some were not
willing and thought it was personal, whiles others did not keep proper records. There was
also the problem of postponement of the date of interview. This problem distorted our
schedule and also increased the cost of transportation.

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CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 FINDING AND DISCUSSIONS
4.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the results obtained in the quest to identify and examine some
challenges hindering capacity building in the printing industry and opportunities left idle.
It also presents the analysis of the data collected from the field through the
administration of interviews.
4.2 FIELD DATA
The information or data gathered were related to the following issues:
 The nature of the printing industry in Ghana.
 Strengths and weaknesses of the printing industry.
 Challenges in the printing industry.
 Recruitment.
 Political power/ affiliation affecting the industry.
 Opportunities overlooked in the industry.
 Future of the Ghanaian printing industry.

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FRONTIERS PRINTING AND PUBLISHING LTD, ACCRA.
INTERVIEW WITH ELIJAH (CLIENT-SERVICE)
HOW DO YOU SEE THE PRINTING INDUSTRY IN GHANA
The printing industry is progressing but the trend has changed or is changing. In the past
it was letterpress, offset (1, 2, to 3 colours) and now 6 colours. Their maximum machine
unit was 2 colours. Investment into digital printing which is a new development in town.
Using giant machines, which can compete, with the offset machines in town in terms of
price and quality.
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
 So far as there is reading and education printing will still continue and that is a
strength.
 Competition is very great without any regulations, this is a weakness. The
association’s (Ghana Printers and Paper Converters Association) power is
dormant. But with the advertising industry and publishing industry’s power to
regulate is a bit higher.
Reading habits of Ghanaians does not really affects the printing industry (or is not a
weakness). It has an effect but the effect cannot be compared to that of the publishing
industry.
In terms of output, companies with 6 or 5 colour machines have some advantages but the
following comes to play when choosing another:
 Machine minders

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 Quality output
 Samples of works (to be evaluated)
 Maintenance of machines
ADAPTATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES
Yes, adaptations have been with new technologies. Currently, we using CTP. All
adaptations will be checked along competitors and the company’s cash flow.
RECRUITMENT
Bases for recruitment:
 Human resource- we believe that people should be able to take ownership of the
job. We presume you should know everything about the job.
 We also believe in getting the right people/human resource so we can get right
output.
Requirements:
 Operation of machine very well
 Ability with colour combinations
 Read and write (record keeping)
 Education background/certificate
 Skills
Amongst all, Experience also counts.

24
STAFF PROGRESS
The staff every year under goes general training. And if one lacks in a specific field
permission may be granted for further service training.
Measure training with final output.
POLITICAL POWER/AFFLILIATION AFFECTING THE INDUSTRY
Political power affects the industry in terms of pricing, raw materials, and inflation.
Taxes, stability of the economy/country (wars, etc.), power crisis/fluctuations, and huge
money for fuel also affects the industry.
I disagree that out sourcing printing is due to quality.
Factor for out sourcing:
 Cost of paper (paper not produced in Ghana) but in terms of quality Ghana can be
at par with every country.
Capacity building is very key in the printing industry.
OPPORTUNITIES OVERLOOKED
Packaging (wrappers, etc.). Packaging has been overlooked because of cost and
competition.
In this company our papers are obtained from the local market but some of our
competitors import. Competitors who import paper have an advantage over us who do not
but obtain from the local market.

25
MEASURES IN PLACE TO BUILD THE CAPACITY OF YOUR COMPANY
The company has future plans of expanding their infrastructure. Because when new
machines come in, definitely we have to.
FUTURE OF THE GHANAIAN PRINTING INDUSTRY
The future of the Ghanaian printing industry looks very bright especially when we
maintain this same momentum. In terms of growth, the future looks bright.
CAPACITY OF YOUR COMPANY
Four machines (maximum can print is 6,000 impressions per hour) but normally we run a
maximum of 4,000 impressions per hour. (In terms of book pages, posters per page, etc.)
About 30 employees
All things being equal, every year we employ and it all depends on the need (new
machines, load- constant job)
Service personnel
Machines we have: GTO 2 colour, MO 2 colour, MO 1 colour, Digital machine (for
digital printing)

26
GRAPHICS (G-PAK), ACCRA
INTERVIEW WITH VINCENT KUSI APPIAH (PRODUCTION COORDINATOR)
I see the printing industry lucrative. The Ghanaian printing industry is expanding because
investors are investing into the industry. However, the industry is progressing. Once
education is still on going and once reading is still going on, printing will survive.
Government intends printing 6 million textbooks and all will be printed in Ghana.
 Lacking skilled or expertise with knowledge in the industry.
 Lack of engineers to service machines
 Capacity to meet deadlines
 Capacity at pre-press, press and post-press.
Graphics has a web machine
 Lack of machines
 Lack of materials
Graphics also have software like PREPS, CTP Imposition software, etc.
 Professional but not enough
 The quality, skills, and infrastructure: the industry can compete with foreign
industries.

27
CHALLENGES
 Prices
 Economic issues
 Taxes/ duty cost
Graphics imports paper. Taxes should be put on publishers who are buying prints outside.
RECRUITMENT (human resource)
 Qualification
 Skills
 Experience (5 years)
 Read and write
There are in-house trainings here in Graphic, on –field training: where the experienced
ones guide, lecture room training and Human Resource manager organize trainings as
well.
Political power has no effect on the printing industry.
 Sole tendering
 Open tendering
Where we all bid for contracts.
Graphics also publishes aside printing. Government does not interfere with our work or
award contracts to Graphics.

28
 Human resource
 Finances to invest in printing
 Raw materials
 Finishing is also overlooked
 Motivation
 Recycling of paper
 Lack of technology and skills
We can’t compare Ghana to U.S.A., South Africa, Germany, etc. in every aspect. Quality,
printing, etc.
Ghana’s printing industry has a very bright future but unless the right things or measures
are put in place.
GPPCA: the association is very dormant, unlike the Ghana Book Publishers Association.
I would say the association is fake.
He also suggested license should be awarded or given to presses to commence. The
printing industry is capital-intensive not labour intensive.

29
TYPE COMPANY LTD., ACCRA
INTERVIEW WITH ELORM (PRODUCTION MANAGER – ACTING)
Quiet challenging where client determine incomes. We do calendars, books, flyers, etc.
demands come in late and drop in quantity. The printing industry is progressing.
 Speed (delivery on time)
 Quality (faster but quality is assured)
 Security (works of clients are secured)
 Curve a niche (check the trends in the industry)
 Lack of skilled personnel or labour
 Cost in training and time consuming
 How to operate machines
Machines available: SM 74 5 colours, MO, GTO, CTP
CHALLENGES
 The economic crisis is a factor or a challenge in the industry.
 People drifting away from the industry or printing due to e-books, etc.,
 People ordering and buying prints from China, India, etc. due to cost.
 Power fluctuations (GH¢ 3,000 per week of fuel)
These partially hinder building capacity.

30
 Read and write especially press work
 Experience
 Apprenticeship – on the job training, takes place quarterly, workers also made to
travel outside for training
Type has tried as much as possible not to affiliate ourselves with politics. The last time
we had a government contract was last three years.
Hence, politics has no effect on the industry.
 Online bookshop (Azalie.com for type)
 Our market cannot be easily predicted
 Staff development with presentations
 Infrastructure also out, so that people can trust the company.
 Students should be given the opportunity to have the industry experience.
Capacity building is key in Type.
Ghana’s printing quality can be compared to that of countries like South Africa,
U.S.A., Germany, etc., especially with Type. But finishing, technology, human
resource, deadline, Ghana cannot be compared to them.

31
The future of the Ghanaian printing industry is bright if we get to understand and adapt
technology going on in the outside world.
Type now stocks paper because Type now has a warehouse.
Number of employers: 76 employees.
CALL PRINT LTD., ACCRA
INTERVIEW WITH TEDDY (GENERAL MANAGER)
Currently, the industry is gone down. Thus, retrogressing. Lights out, prices, taxations,
duties, etc. has reduced productivity.
 Government is helping the industry. Where the president recently even made an
address by saying they would print books locally. It is difficult to say we have
skilled personnel (in terms of design, lack of fair knowledge, universities are also
lacking to impact real knowledge)
 Taxes and duties on materials being imported.
New technologies: we have got a new Plate Writer and it’s just like the CTP. It saves
time.

32
CHALLENGES
 So many people in the industry who do not have quality even though they have
the know-how hence lack of skilled personnel.
 The government also plays a major role in the challenges.
 Skills
 Educational background
 Recruit and train personnel on the job (machine minders)
 We consider things like reading and writing abilities
 We also bring on board to train and educate our staff
However, our staff is making progress.
Change in political power has no effect on our production or productivity level. We do
not affiliate ourselves. However, we also go through the tender process and sometimes
win contracts from the government.
GPPCA: They are really trying because, the printing of textbooks locally have been
pushed for it to happen soon. I even attended a meeting of the association. Currently, I
don’t know the president and secretory buy my boss will know.

33
 CTPs is an area we should pay attention to, because it gives better output, it also
saves times, production wise it saves time than the normal traditional way, film
making.
 Digital offset is also an area but it is expensive.
 Trials of workers before they are employed.
Measures are in place to build capacity. Currently we are trying to establish a marketing
department, which we do not have.
Current workers: 30 employees.
Machines available: SM 74 6 colour, MO 2 colour, KORD 64, GTO, Stitching Machine,
folding machine, CTP.
Quality wise we can compare our works to foreign countries doing well in printing,
because we have customers we print for in the U.K. Personnel and Technology they may
be ahead of us.
I think the future is bright for our industry. If we look at some standards some companies
are trying to achieve is very bright.
The company has future plans of expanding capacity in terms of infrastructure. E-books
in some sense have affected the print industry but e-books are good. (Quality and time)
we also deliver on time.

34
BESTAS LTD., ACCRA
INTERVIEW WITH ROBERT (PRODUCTION MANAGER)
The industry is progressing but currently there is no progression. We use power
generators and the amount of diesel alone.
 The weaknesses are more than the strengths. Even getting jobs is difficult. The
system is also about who you know. The economy is also another weakness.
 We have skilled labour, our machine minders have the skills.
We have gotten some new machines: SM, Plate setter and etc. we don’t use CTP. Not
that we can’t afford but the job requirement or the works we do does not really need it
now.
CHALLENGES
 Most printing jobs are sent outside the country, which is really affecting the
industry.
 Power crisis
 Skills most often machine minders
 Experience but especially for the binders, machine minders. Etc.
 We also do retraining of staff.
 Education does not really play especially with the machine minders.

35
Political change also affects contracts and jobs. Paper dealers in Ghana are now Indians
and citizens are not getting that to do.
GPPCA: The association is dormant; it is functional but not working well. The printing
industry is like everyone for himself.
The government can invest in the paper industry. “Super paper products” was set up in
Tema and it failed.
Most paper suppliers also running presses is a big blow to the industry. I believe the
Ghanaian printing industry can do printing for the country.
 Digital printing was something that was not done but now it is coming up.
Getting resources to build capacity or infrastructure is difficult.
We can’t compare ourselves to presses outside like U.S.A., India, South Africa, etc. The
company has plans for expanding its facility.
Workers: 28 employees.
The industry has a bright future.

36
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD COMPANY LTD., ACCRA
INTERVIEW WITH MR. FRIMPONG (PRODUCTION MANAGER)
It has been a very vibrant industry. Some time back we were using letterpress, etc. but
now we have computers, internet, and new machines which has made worker faster. Jobs
came in hand written but now typed and even through the internet. Yea, the industry is
progressing, youth and young people coming into the industry, which has caused a lot of
change.
 Introduction of modern technology
 Skilled and well equipped workers
 Few jobs being chased by many printing presses
 Also more works are sent out to be printed
 Bribery and corruption also another weakness
Government is the major client.
New technologies: introduction of digital printing, which is time respective.
Introduction of high-speed computers with software for editing, proofreading and etc.
CHALLENGES
 Power crisis (Presses that can’t afford generators have to close down)
 Capital to change or equip the industry (loans)
 Income is also low

37
 Required skilled personnel are also not enough because companies can’t afford to
pay them.
 Favouritism of jobs by the Government.
 Raw materials (it is and it’s not) it all boils down to capital.
GPPCA: The association is doing well. Where the executives talk to the government to
be considerate to the local presses. Where local presses can also print jobs locally. They
negotiated where even government is to give a percentage of jobs to presses locally. A
forum was held last year where media houses also present took it up and published.
Who is the president? “Appiah Berkoe” Gen. Secretary? William Turkson.
Currently there are presses that are well equipped to be able to handle jobs that are sent
outside to foreign countries like India, S.A., etc.
 Qualification (educational background)
 Skills
 Experience
Room is also give to new entrance. Six months’ probation and when you fit.
We also do training for our workers. Workers are progressing.
Change in political power one way or the other affects the printing industry, this is
because the government is the biggest customer in the printing industry. Government in
power has some presses they associate and work with. (Circulation of jobs).

38
 Finance and re-capitalization: means of getting loans
 Staff employment: when works are printed in the country
In our schools more theory is done but the practical side should be enhanced.
Quarterly training of workers now shifting to annual.
Number of workers: 44 workers.
We have plans on getting a 4 colour machine because we don’t have one at the moment.
The foreign countries are a bit ahead of us especially in terms of infrastructure, personnel,
but with quality we can compare ourselves.
The future is bright. There should be partnerships within the presses and the government.

39
BUCK PRESS, ACCRA
INTERVIEW WITH UNCLE TONY (MARKETING MANAGER)
The industry is progressing (expanding). A lot of people coming in, companies, new
ideas, etc.
 Establishment of the Publishing Studies Department who are producing graduates
for the industry.
 Initially owners of printing presses were not really educated. Now well-educated
people are coming into the industry.
 Skilled personnel to operate machine because there is no training to operate
machines. (System of training), master’s capacities in companies are used to get
them trained.
 Lack of training capacities for minders
About new technologies: CTP, Digital printing, etc. New technologies have positive
effect on the printing industry.
CHALLENGES
 Industry is infiltrated with one man printers undermining quality (people out there
producing anything)
 Socio-economic factors: power fluctuations

40
 Tariffs on imported material. (Duty paid is 20% VAT, NHIS 17%) About 42%
paid to ware house. Printed materials are duty-free. But imported materials are
not. How can we compete with such foreign countries? Duties on textbooks and
exercise books have been waved.
 Government should protect the industry.
GPPCA: the association is really working hard. We had series of meetings with the
Ministry fighting for printers (manufacturing license), which makes some printers pay
5%.
 Qualification
 Experience
 Skills
 Educational Background (JHS, SHS), Technical Institutions, etc.
Staff progress within and outside: some of our employees are sent out for training
(Germany). There was a system we put in place where senior machine minders were
trained, but on the job training has been the best way of training.
 Synergy: printing houses are operating on individualism.
Political power really affects the industry. This is because the government is the biggest
buyer or client.

41
Growth and development can only be achieved through capacity building.
Quality wise we can be compares to India, U.S.A., South Africa and the likes and also
human resource can also be compared to them but in terms of technology and
infrastructure we can’t compare ourselves.
The industry in Ghana has a very bright future; (human resources, adaptation of new
technology, new ideas bringing keen competition.
Employees: 150 workers.
R-OX LIMITED, ACCRA
INTERVIEW WITH RUTH LUCY (PRODUCTION MANAGER)
The industry is progressing because of more competitions. From pre-press, press and
post-press there have been new adaptions.
CHALLENGES
 Power fluctuations
 Economic issues
Our company has been in existence since 2010.
 Expertise (occasionally we do training)

42
We do not affiliate ourselves hence political power does not affect the industry.
 Practical aspect of printing is not given attention in our universities.
 Buying prints outside should be stooped.
Ghana cannot be compared to countries like U.S.A., South Africa, India, Germany, etc.
But on terms of quality we can.
Ghana’s printing has a future. This is because, investors are coming in and this is making
the industry to grow.
INNOLINK PRINT AND GRAPHIX INDUSTRY
INTERVIEW WITH KINGSLEY ADDO (BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER)
The print industry is good. Currently there are a lot of potential where we have not even
tapped yet. It is progressing.
 Efficiency: we doing well in terms quality, delivery, time, and etc.
 Lack of training schools/platforms for the print industry. There was one at Tema
but now the institution has collapsed.
 Importation of raw materials. We import everything.
 Duties and taxation.

43
 Machines are also too expensive.
New adaptation of technology: there have been a lot technologies coming up. We
acquired a new machine, which we use for security printing.
CHALLENGES
 Taxation of raw materials.
 Lack of skilled personnel. (There should be institutions that can take care printing
students)
 Banks are not supporting printing presses in the country.
 Some paper suppliers are now setting up presses in the country.
 Most clients are also printing their works outside the country.
All these challenges are not helping in achieving capacity in the industry. Qualified
personnel to also work in the industry. However, economic issues are also causing a huge
problem.
 Skills
 Working experience especially with machine minders
Normally we bring down white men to train the staff especially the machine minders.

44
We had a similar experience when people tagged us with political affiliation. For now the
government is trying to support the industry, where textbooks will be printed in the
country.
Innolink is a member of GPPCA.
 Even with textbooks sent outside, it can be printed here.
 There should be systems in place to regulate the printing industry.
Ghana cannot be compared to countries like S.A., USA, India, etc. in terms of anything.
The future if the industry is bright.
DESIGN PRESS, KUMASI
INTERVIEW WITH MR. BANNOR (PRODUCTION MANAGER)
The industry is progressing (expanding). The Printing industry has become more
competitive hence others will say it is retrogressing.

45
 Establishment of the Department of Publishing Studies and the Department of
Communication Design of the Faculty of Arts of Kwame Nkrumah University of
Science and Technology.
 Initially owners of printing presses were not really educated. Now well educated
people are coming into the industry.
 Skilled personnel to operate machine because there is no training to operate
machines. (System of training), master’s capacities in companies are used to get
them trained.
 Lack of training capacities for minders
About new technologies: Digital printing, etc. New technologies have positive effect on
the printing industry.
CHALLENGES
Open market open to the foreigners to come and invest in the printing industry. Since
they have available capital to build press to diminish our market
Are you are member of GPPCA? Design press have no association with them.

46
RECRUITMENT (Human Resource)
The Human Resource of KNUST does the recruitment and it requires a certificate for
employment.
Casual workers do not need certificate. Workers are employed based on:
 Experience
 Skills
Mostly machine minders are employed from vocational schools. There is also on-the-job
training.
 There is no investment in the industry
Political power really affects the industry. This is because the government is the biggest
buyer or client.
We cannot be compared to India, U.S.A., and South Africa in terms of human resource,
technology and infrastructure.
The industry in Ghana has a very bright future.

47
ALPHA AND OMEGA PUBLICATIONS/PRESS, KUMASI
INTERVIEW WITH (PRODUCTION MANAGER AND THE CEO)
The current situation i.e. the economic crisis has made the current state of the printing
industry stable. Aside that printing industry is progressing in a slow pace in Kumasi.
 Speed (delivery on time)
 Quality is mostly assured.
 Security (works of clients are secured)
 Lack of skilled personnel or labor
 Cost in training and time consuming
 How to operate machines
Machines available (6): Sord 2 color, folding machine, 2 colors MO, GTO
The markets in the Ghana (Kumasi) are really not large enough to acquire the new and
sophisticated machines to improve our production.
CHALLENGES
 The economic crisis is a factor or a challenge in the industry.
 Buying prints outside the country due to cost and waved duty on printed
materials.
 Power fluctuations.
 Taxation on imported raw materials.

48
 Read and write especially press work (editorial section)
 Experience (press)
 Apprenticeship – we train them on the machines. (Press)
 Skills (design sector)
 Minimum requirement for employment is SHS certificate.
Alpha and Omega is not affiliate to any political party. The last time we had a
government contract was last two years from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
But the political power have an influence in the industry because at the end of the day,
the right person doesn’t get job due friendship.
 Our market cannot be easily predicted
 Infrastructure also out, so that people can trust the company.
 Students should be given the opportunity to have the industry experience.
Capacity building is core in Alpha and Omega.
Ghana’s printing quality can never be compared to that of countries like South Africa.,
U.S.A., Germany, etc. finishing, technology, human resource, deadline, Ghana cannot be
compared to them.

49
The future of the Ghanaian printing industry is a very brisk business if we adapt
technology going on in the outside world. Printing is a very nice profession even though
it’s coupled with a lot of challenges.
NB: printing business will never end until the world comes to an end.
Alpha and Omega has acquired a multi-purpose building to increase its capacity.
NHYIRA PRINTING PRESS, KUMASI
INTERVIEW WITH MR. ASEIDU (PRODUCTION MANAGER)
The industry is growing, but the printing industry has witness more competition from
large scale presses hence I will say it is progressing at a slower pace.
 Introduction of modern technology.
 Demand for print is always there.
 Skilled personnel to operate machines because there are no training facilities
available to equip personnel with the requisite skills and knowledge.
 Inability to acquire loan facilities to build capacity.

50
CHALLENGES
 High taxations on imports especially printing materials
 Now most foreign paper suppliers are now running presses locally, hence
reducing the market of local printers.
 Current power crisis is another major challenge.
We are not a member of the GPPCA.
 Experience
 Skills
We also run on-the-job training for our workers annually.
 There is no investment in the industry
We are not affiliated to any political party but I believe change in political power ma
have some influence on the industry.
Our industry cannot be compared to that of India, USA, and South Africa. in terms of
human resource, technology and infrastructure.

51
ASHMETRO PRINTS, KUMASI
INTERVIEW WITH (PRODUCTION MANAGER)
The industry is progressing in the sense that we have moved from lithographical printing
to digital printing.
 Establishment of the publishing studies department to help develop skilled
personnel in the industry.
 Even though the publishing department is helping, they only concentrate of the
theoretical aspect, making graduates lacked the practical knowhow to run the
machine.
CHALLENGES
 High taxations on imports especially printing materials
 The current socio-economic crisis such as power crisis and high interest rate on
loans.
We are not a member of the GPPCA.
 Experience
 Skills
 Apprenticeship

52
 Establishment of a training facility to train machine minders
 Waving of the tax on import substrates e.g. Paper, ink, adhesives
We do not affiliate ourselves with politics and political power doesn’t always affect the
industry
Our industry cannot be compared to that of India, U.S.A., and South Africa in terms of
human resource, technology and infrastructure.
CLETTONY PRESS, KUMASI
INTERVIEW WITH ANTHONY APPIAH (GENERAL MANAGER)
The printing industry has grown over the years. I see it to be progressing other than
retrogressing. Because new technologies have been introduced. Even though we have not
gotten

53
CHALLENGES
 Power instabilities (electricity)
 Economic issues
 Expertise
 Skills
 Interest of personnel
We do not affiliate ourselves hence political power does not affect the industry.
 Practical aspect of printing is not given attention in our universities.
 Buying prints outside should be stooped.
Ghana cannot be compared to countries like U.S.A., South Africa, India, Germany, etc.
But on terms of quality we can.
Ghana’s printing has a future. This is because, investors are coming in and this is making
the industry to grow.

54
YASARKO PRESS LTD., ACCRA
INTERVIEW WITH MR. YAW SARKODIE (GENERAL MANAGER)
The printing industry in Ghana is not bad, but if the economic issues are not addressed,
the printing industry is in danger. They will continue to lay off workers.
Printing materials are imported and the ports are not regulated in terms of printing
materials imported hence cost is killing the industry.
Paper suppliers like Vista, JK, etc. also have giant presses in Ghana and most of them are
from India. However, in terms of prices they are posing threats and all these weakness.
Ghana is blessed with quality and expertise. Wastage is limited.
ADAPTATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES
Letterpress, cylinders, etc. have been abandoned but are now used for hologram or die
cutting. Digital printing e.g. for posters
 Educational Background
 Skills
 Experience
Recruitment is categorized in to apprenticeship, etc.
Staff is really progressing because if you fail to progress in the industry your competitors
will overtake you.

55
Political affiliation have a great effect or pressure in winning and losing tenders.
Infrastructure is a very big challenge in the printing industry. Acquiring land, etc. and
relocation is another problem. Nearness to raw materials.
Personnel or people are also losing interest in printing. Minimum years to pick up and
operate a machine is from 3 years to 5 years.
Ghana’s printing industry cannot be compared to that of South Africa, India, Germany
and etc. this is because in Ghana, most presses buy used machines hence cannot adapt
quickly to the new technology.
The Ghana Printers and Paper Convertors Association is dormant.
MEASURES IN PLACE TO BUILD THE CAPACITY OF YOUR COMPANY
The company has future plans of expanding their infrastructure. Because we now
purchased a new machine and adjustments are being made to fit it into our premises.
We are still struggling but if things continue this way then I fear for the industry.
4.3 NATURE OF THE PRINTING INDUSTRY IN GHANA
Out of the fifteen (15) interviews conducted, only one of the print houses attested to the
fact that the current nature of the printing industry in Ghana is retrogressing. All the other
presses gave similar response by saying that, the industry is progressing, whiles others
said that due to economic crisis it is progressing but at a slower pace.

56
The figure above shows the percentage of printers who said the nature of the printing
industry in Ghana is progressing and retrogressing. Fourteen (14) out of the fifteen (15)
print houses specified that the nature of the printing industry is progressing whiles one (1)
out of the fifteen (15) said it is retrogressing. These responses to an extent proves that the
current nature of the printing industry in Ghana is progressing even in the lights of socio-
economic, political and financial issues affecting the industry.
4.4 SOME CHALLENGES HINDERING CAPACITY BUILDING
IN THE PRINTING INDUSTRY.
The research attempted to establish some challenges affecting the printing industry.
These are some of the challenges it is facing:
93%
7%
CURRENT NATURE OF THE PRINTING INDUSTRY IN
GHANA
Progressing Retrogressing

57
I. High import duties on raw materials: Raw materials such as paper, ink,
adhesives and other substrates which are not produced locally are taxed at very
high rates. Duty paid is (20% VAT, 17% NHIS) and other charges amounting to
about 42% paid before getting to your ware house. Printed materials are duty-
free. But imported materials are not. How can we compete with such foreign
countries? Duties on textbooks and exercise books have been waved, hence
publications printed locally have higher cost than publications printed in foreign
countries, this is making people print outside.
II. Socio-economic crisis: Some of the socio-economic issues include power
fluctuations and inability to acquire loans due high interest rates. Increasing
power fluctuations in the country has reduced productivity of many industries
with which the printing industry cannot be left out. This has compelled most
printing presses to acquire power plants which consumes about GH¢ 3,000 of fuel
per week. Hence, increasing cost of productivity.
Again, the high interest rates charged on loans has made it difficult for some
presses in Ghana to acquire loans in order to increase their capacity.
III. Open market: Open market to foreigners to come and invest in the printing
industry is another major challenge. There are no laws protecting the local market
hence, our market is being infiltrated with foreigners. Since they have available
capital to build their capacity, they therefore compete with the local market.

58
4.4 OPPORTUNITIES LEFT IDLE IN THE PRINTING
INDUSTRY
The research furthermore discovered that, there a lot of opportunities in the printing
industry in Ghana. Among these opportunities, many were found to be idle. Some of the
opportunities left idle are outlined below:
I. Adaptation of advanced technologies in the Ghanaian printing industry: This
is an opportunity the printing industry has overlooked. The industry must invest in
advanced technologies in order to be able to compete with industries outside. This
is because the industries in advanced countries such as China, Malaysia and India
have adopted these advanced technologies like Digital printing, CTPs and
advanced offset machines and have taken over our local market. Hence to
compete with these countries, we must also adopt some of these advanced
technologies.
II. Synergy: The large scale presses must form a consortium and put their collective
efforts together to bid for big contracts such as labels for Unilever, Malta
Guinness and Nestle Ghana. This is because none of these presses have the
available capacity to undertake such big contacts. Currently, most print works are
sent outside to be printed because of the fear of presses not being meet deadlines
due to their capacities. Hence, if synergy is adopted and effectively working,
presses can locally take contracts and share among themselves per their capacities
which will maintain our local market. Other than buying prints outside which will
be of benefit to other countries.

59
III.Production of printing materials locally (paper, inks, adhesives, etc.): Another
major opportunity that has been over looked in the printing industry is the
manufacturing of printing materials in the country. Mostly, printing materials
especially paper and ink are imported. These therefore attract import duties, taxes
and some tariffs which increases their cost hence making cost of production high.
Establishing a paper mill in Ghana to produce and recycle paper will help cut
down the cost of paper, since there will be no payment of import duties and hence
will cut the cost of production. This will encourage jobs to be printed here other
than sending them outside. Other substrates such as ink, adhesives and etc. can
also be manufactured in the country which can be a substitute to those imported
into the country.
IV.Lack of training facilities to equip our human resource with the necessary
skills: There are not enough training facilities in the country to train and equip
human resource with the requisite skills and practical know-how to operate in
presses. Also, our educational structure in tertiary and vocational schools should
be adjusted because the kind of training we acquire is jeered towards the
theoretical aspect whiles shunning the practical training which we need to operate
the machine and work professionally in the industry. Therefore students must be
given the opportunity to have the industry experience.
V. Finishing and Packaging: Packaging and finishing is another opportunity in the
print industry that has been overlooked due to cost and competition from foreign
companies. Packaging which involves printing of labels, boxes, and etc. while
general finishing involves neat binding, and others.

60
4.6 THE NEED FOR CAPACITY BUILDING IN THE PRINTING
INDUSTRY.
Capacity building is more than training. It is the establishment of sustainable mechanisms
to allow the printing industry to empower itself by developing its human resource,
infrastructure and technology. Increasing capacity better prepares the industry to face and
resolve development issues in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Capacity building strategies and contributions depend on the specific context of each
circumstance. The printing industry is committed to fostering capacity building initiatives
such as forming consortium, adaptation of new technologies that will empower each
press, and subsequently the industry as a whole. The long-term aim is to create a more
favorable business environment which will make the industry a more lucrative one.

61
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND
RECCOMMENDATION
5.1 SUMMARY
Capacity building is a dynamic process that is often part of a broader developmental or
change process. Printing is a revenue making industry that involves an operative capacity
building.
Robert Franco, (2014), some challenges preventing the print industry from achieving its
capacity range from the lack of finance to invest in new technology and high import
duties through to unreliable power supplies in the country, lack of availability of certain
substrates, slow or non-payment by customers and government corruption.
The major problems observed for the purpose of this study was that printers in Ghana
have the urge to grow and become more competitive although they face numerous
challenges that need to be dealt with, so that they may be able to compete with presses
outside the country.
The results of this study were thus anticipated to help bring out innovative ideas on how
to improve and expand capacity of printing houses in Ghana. Consequently, the
researchers first brought to the fore the main cardinal points of Capacity building in
the Ghanaian printing industry and its opportunities and challenges, evaluation and
content analysis through a review of previous literary works on the related topic such as
Backer (2000), Craig (2007) and Linnell (2003).

62
The data gathered were then analysed using Microsoft Word 2013 and graphically
represented in charts generated with Microsoft Excel 2013. Data obtained from the
interviews was also content analysed based on the specific objectives of the study
to complement the interview survey. After data analysis, it was found that the current
nature of the printing industry is progressing even in the lights of socio-economic,
political and financial issues affecting the industry and this was supported by the
existence of a lot of opportunities in the printing industry in Ghana.
5.2CONCLUSION
In conclusion, it can be said that despite the problems facing capacity building in the
printing industry in Ghana, the future continues to be bright. Therefore, government and
other institutions have to take a second look at the activities of the industry, since it has
the potential of contributing to economic growth.
In building capacity it will attract investors into the industry, thereby minimizing the rate
at which people buy print outside. In addition, there will be an increase in employment,
increase in national revenue, decrease in dependency ratio and etc. This will make the
Ghanaian printing industry compete with that of China, India and Germany in the near
future.
5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS
A few recommendations were made to support the main aim of this study.
 Firstly, there should be an adaptation of advanced technologies in the Ghanaian
printing industry.

63
 Also, printing materials (paper, inks, adhesives, etc.) should be produced locally.
Investors can invest into the manufacturing and production of printing materials
which will help the industry to grow.
 Lastly, it is recommended that the finishing and packaging should be further
developed.
 There should also be the establishment of training facilities to equip our human
resource with the necessary skills.
Further study is called for to detail such capacity building strategies which can help
improve the printing industry in Ghana.

64
REFERENCE
 FESPA. (2014, June 23). FESPA. Retrieved from FESPA Web Site:
http://www.fespa.com/news/features/the-print-industry-in-africa-wide-open-
opportunity-or-fraught-with-challenges.html
 Indian Mirror. (2014). Retrieved from Indianmirror.com:
http://www.indianmirror/indian-industries/printing.html
 Joe, E. K. (2002, August 29). Ghanaweb. Retrieved from ghanaweb.com:
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/artikel.php?ID=26872
 Backer, T.E., 2000, Strengthening Nonprofits: Capacity Building and
Philanthropy, Human Interaction Research Institute, University of Nevada, Las
Vegas.
 Craig, G., 2007, ‘Community Capacity-Building: Something Old, Something
New…’ Critical Social Policy, August, Vol.27 (3), pp. 335-359.
 INTRAC, 2011, ‘Empowered to influence: Capacity building for advocacy’ The
Newsletter of INTRAC, January 2011, at
http://www.intrac.org/data/files/resources/699/ONTRAC-47.pdf
 Linnell, D. (2003). Evaluation of capacity building: Lessons from the field.
Washington, DC: Alliance for Nonprofit Management.
 Lusthaus, C., Anderson, G., and Murphy, E. (1995) Institutional Assessment: A
Framework for Strengthening Organizational Capacity for IDRC‘s Research
Partners. International Development Research Centre, Ottawa.

65
 Kaplan, A., 2000, ‘Capacity Building: Shifting the Paradigms of Practice’,
Development in Practice Vol. 10, issues 3 and 4 (10th Anniversary Issue), pp.
517-526
 Potter, C., & Brough, R., 2004, ‘Systemic Capacity Building: A Hierarchy of
Needs’, Health Policy and Planning, Vol. 19(5), pp.336-345.
 UNDP, 2009, ‘Capacity Development: A UNDP Primer’, at
http://www.beta.undp.org/content/dam/aplaws/publication/en/publications/capacit
ydevelopment/capacity-development-a-undp-
primer/CDG_PrimerReport_final_web.pdf
 UNDP, 2006, ‘Failure of Change Efforts – What to Look Out For’, at
http://lencd.com/data/docs/232-
Concept%20Note_Institutional%20Reform%20and%20Change%20Management-
.pdf

66
APPENDIX
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS/ GUIDE
People to interview: CEO, General Manager, Production Manager, Human Resource
Manager, etc. if any
NB: Questions will be put to each targeted manager. (Questions may be asked pertaining
to technology, human resources and infrastructure)
1. How do you see the printing industry in Ghana?
 Is the industry progressing or retrogressing? (Support you stake with
reasons)
 What are the Strengths and weakness of the industry?
2. Have there been any adaptation of new technologies in printing pertaining to your
practice as a printer?
 If yes …, ascribe the technologies or new equipment acquired?
3. What are some of the challenges the printing industry is facing in Ghana?
 And that pertaining to your industry?
 Are they hindering Capacity building in the industry?
4. Recruitment:
 What are the basis for recruitment of personnel into the industry or
company? (Are they based on qualification, skills, educational
background, etc.?)
 How do the staff progress?

67
 Does changes in political power also affect the industry? (contracts)
5. What are some of the opportunities the printing industry in Ghana can take
advantage of?
 Also in relation to your practice in terms of technology, infrastructure and
human resource.
 Things (opportunities) that has been over looked in our printing industry?
(in terms of technology, infrastructure and human resource)
 Why is capacity building a necessity in the printing industry?
 Are there measures in place to build the capacity of your company?
 Can the printing industry in Ghana be compared to that of countries like
South Africa, India, Canada, USA, Germany and etc.?
 How do you see the Ghanaian printing industry in let’s say ten years to
come? (Future)

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