Ghana Publishing expands online access to laws, gazette verification

The Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL) has started offering online access to printed laws and digital verification of official gazettes to enhance the availability of official government publications. The new services consist of an online bookstore and continuous online availability to the Ghana Gazette, allowing customers to obtain official documents without needing to visit Accra.

Nana Kwasi Boatey, the Managing Director of GPCL, announced these changes during a press conference in Accra. He explained that the move would lower costs for customers and boost access to official publications across the country. Boatey emphasized that individuals seeking Acts of Ghana or any items from the business center could now purchase items online, receive them within a short time, and have them delivered by courier.

The online bookstore would enable customers to order printed copies of Acts of Parliament, the Constitution, and other publications, pay electronically, and receive their purchases through courier service. Boatey highlighted that this service would be particularly advantageous for those outside Accra who would otherwise spend substantial travel expenses to acquire legal documents.

For instance, obtaining an Act costing fifty cedis might require a two hundred to three hundred cedis commute to reach the GPCL headquarters. The company's new digital services also aim to prevent the distribution of unauthorized laws and counterfeit gazettes. Boatey warned that individuals creating fake versions of Ghana's Acts would face legal consequences if caught.

He introduced an online verification system allowing users to confirm a gazette’s authenticity without visiting GPCL's offices. By checking the gazette's authenticity online, customers can ensure that they are accessing genuine official documents, thereby reducing disputes regarding publication dates and the accuracy of published information.

Boatey stated that these advancements are part of the company's commitment to improving service delivery and making its publications more accessible to all Ghanaians. He noted that these measures align with the government’s reset agenda, aiming to ensure that GPCL’s services are continuously available and provide a better experience for customers.