The government of Ghana has unveiled plans to revise the Ghana Library Board Act of 1970 to revitalize the nation’s public library system and preserve its democratic heritage through the creation of Presidential Libraries. The announcement was made by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu during the inauguration of the newly appointed Ghana Library Authority (GhLA) board in Accra.
The proposed legislative review will facilitate two major initiatives: establishing a National Book Fund to bolster libraries nationwide and institutionalizing Presidential Libraries to honor Ghana’s former leaders. “In the coming months, I will seek Cabinet approval to amend the 1970 Act to enable a book fund and the management of Presidential Libraries,” Iddrisu stated.
He emphasized that these initiatives will not rely on state funding but will instead be supported through partnerships with the private sector and corporate entities. “I task the new GhLA board to drive this vision, leveraging private sector collaboration rather than government funds,” he said.
Iddrisu highlighted the scarcity of comprehensive resources on Ghana’s past presidents, noting that Presidential Libraries would play a critical role in preserving national history and enhancing civic education. The newly appointed board, chaired by Dr. Michael Ato Essuman, is tasked with modernizing the public library system to align with the needs of a knowledge-driven society.
The Minister also called on the board to promote digital literacy, expand library access to underserved communities, and support Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. “Libraries are vital to the future of education, beyond just classrooms,” he remarked.
