Ms. Harriet Adelaide Tagoe, Managing Director of Afram Publications (Ghana) Limited, has issued a stern warning to senior high school students against purchasing pirated copies of the popular French textbooks, “La Famille Ntow” and “L’argent ne Fait pas le Bonheur.” These counterfeit versions, circulating in bookshops and even within some senior high schools, not only carry inflated price tags but are also riddled with errors. These inaccuracies pose a significant threat to students’ academic performance, potentially jeopardizing their success in final examinations and hindering their overall French language proficiency. The inferior quality of the pirated books, marked by poor printing and numerous mistakes, undermines the educational integrity of the texts and misrepresents the high standards upheld by Afram Publications.
The proliferation of these counterfeit textbooks has far-reaching consequences, impacting not only students but also the authors and the publishing house itself. The authors suffer financial losses as they are deprived of their rightful royalties, the remuneration they receive for their intellectual property. Afram Publications also incurs substantial financial setbacks due to lost sales and the diminished reputation caused by the circulation of inferior copies. The company’s significant investments in content development, editing, and production are undermined when pirated versions flood the market, offering a cheaper, albeit flawed, alternative. The act of piracy essentially robs both the authors and the publisher of the fruits of their labor and investment.
The Managing Director expressed her deep concern over the blatant disregard for copyright laws and the potential harm inflicted on students who unknowingly purchase the substandard materials. She highlighted the distinguishing features between the authentic and pirated versions of “L’argent ne Fait pas le Bonheur.” The genuine book bears a hologram sticker featuring the Afram Publications stool, a security measure absent in the counterfeit copies. Additionally, the original edition boasts a distinctive blue cover, unlike the pirated version. Similarly, the authentic “La Famille Ntow” textbook exhibits superior aesthetic quality compared to its counterfeit counterpart. These visual cues are crucial for students and educators to identify and avoid the flawed pirated editions.
Ms. Tagoe revealed that Afram Publications, in collaboration with its distribution partner, the Regional Centres for the Teaching of French (CREF-Ghana), discovered the circulation of these pirated copies within senior high schools in the Greater Accra region. The fact that these subpar materials were being sold at inflated prices within educational institutions was particularly alarming. This discovery underscores the audacity of the counterfeiters and the potential for widespread deception among unsuspecting students. Ms. Tagoe emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue to protect the integrity of the educational system and ensure that students have access to accurate and reliable learning materials.
Afram Publications has initiated a rigorous investigation in conjunction with the Copyright Office to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for producing and distributing the counterfeit textbooks. Ms. Tagoe issued a strong warning to those involved, emphasizing that they would face the full force of the law once apprehended. She reiterated the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and the severe consequences associated with copyright infringement. The company’s commitment to pursuing legal action demonstrates its dedication to protecting its authors, its investments, and the educational interests of students.
Afram Publications (Ghana) Limited holds a distinguished position in the Ghanaian publishing landscape, boasting over five decades of experience. As the largest and most reputable indigenous book-publishing house, Afram Publications has made significant contributions to Ghanaian literature and educational materials. The company specializes in producing textbooks tailored for Ghanaian schools, covering pre-school, basic, senior high, and tertiary levels. Its extensive catalog includes a range of highly regarded titles, including “Afrakoma (The Warrior Princess),” “Tahinta,” “Voice in the Forest,” “The Crows and Other Plays,” “Edufa,” “Grandma and other stories,” and numerous others. This rich history and commitment to quality underscore the importance of protecting the company’s intellectual property and ensuring that students have access to authentic Afram Publications materials.
