Former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Publishing Company Limited David Asante has rejected comments by President John Dramani Mahama suggesting that the company’s recent improvements were largely a result of the current administration’s efforts.
Mr Asante was responding to remarks made by the President during a visit to the company last week, where he described GPCL’s past reputation as being “like Siberia.”
In a statement, Mr Asante said the President was right in acknowledging that the company was in a poor state after 2016, but stressed that the turnaround occurred between 2017 and 2024 under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
“Yes, Mr President, you are right. The Ghana Publishing handed over to us after 2016 was indeed like Siberia,” he said, adding that the transformation did not happen within the last eight months, as is being suggested in some quarters.
According to him, the recovery of the company was driven by deliberate policy decisions, heavy capital investment and the commitment of sector ministers, boards, management and staff during the NPP administration.
He noted that GPCL recorded consistent profits and a massive operational turnaround during that period.
“It did not just happen in the last eight months. That is falsehood,” Mr Asante stated.
He pointed to the company’s audited accounts from 2019 to 2024, which he said show sustained profitability and significant growth in net assets, including a more than 3,000 per cent increase in 2023.
Mr Asante said these records were available and should have informed public commentary on the company’s performance.
Mr Asante maintained that the transformation of Ghana Publishing Company Limited under the NPP government is clearly documented and cannot be rewritten.
“The records are there for all who seek the truth,” he said, urging accuracy in public discourse on the company’s history.