The Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL) has hit back at claims by its former Managing Director, Mr. David Asante, who alleged that President John Dramani Mahama wrongly credited the current administration for the company’s turnaround.

The controversy follows President Mahama’s historic visit to GPCL on January 8, 2026 — the first by a sitting President under the Fourth Republic.

During the visit, the President lauded the company’s transformation, saying it had evolved from a place “likened to Siberia” into a revitalised institution worthy of commendation.

Ex-MD Takes Credit

On January 14, Mr. Asante took to social media, asserting that it was his leadership between 2017 and 2024 that rescued GPCL from decline.

He claimed he modernised operations, secured contracts, and established a Kumasi branch, arguing that the current management was merely “reaping what he sowed.”

GPCL Responds

In a strongly worded statement, GPCL dismissed Mr. Asante’s claims as “unmeritorious and selfish,” presenting several counterpoints:

Inherited Assets: The company noted that Asante inherited vehicles, equipment, and substantial cash reserves from his predecessor, Mr. David Dzreke, yet failed to acknowledge Dzreke’s contributions.

Procurement Issues: GPCL said the Heidelberg printing machine acquired under Asante was a 1993 model, which remained unusable despite expensive repairs.

Election Contracts: The company clarified that contracts for ballot paper printing were secured under Dzreke’s tenure for the 2016 elections, not under Asante.

Kumasi Branch: GPCL described the Kumasi office as a sales outlet, disputing claims that it generated “millions of cedis monthly.”

Financial Mismanagement: The statement accused Asante of renting his private vehicle to GPCL at GHS2,000 daily, crashing an uninsured Land Cruiser, and leaving debts and overdrafts despite receiving $500,000 in rent from CBG in 2024.

Current Achievements: GPCL highlighted recent successes under the new MD, including a 13th-month salary bonus in December 2025, a 40% salary increase for 2026, the purchase of a new Toyota Land Cruiser, and the creation of a $350,000 digital printing centre within ten months.

Commitment to the Reset Agenda

The company emphasised its dedication to supporting President Mahama’s “resetting agenda” by building an ultra-modern publishing institution and urged stakeholders not to be distracted by what it described as the former MD’s “self-aggrandising commentary.”

GPCL’s statement underscores the administration’s focus on operational efficiency and modernisation, while reinforcing the achievements of its current leadership.