Ghana’s cherished tradition of reading is fading, with libraries underused and bookshops struggling as young people increasingly favor digital content and social media. Educators and policymakers warn that this shift threatens critical thinking, creativity, and academic performance skills essential for national development.
To counter this decline, the Ghana Library Authority (GhLA), which oversees 139 libraries nationwide, is embracing digital transformation. Acting Executive Director Ziblim Alhassan Betintiche explained that the Authority is leveraging technology to reconnect youth with reading.
A new digital library app now offers thousands of resources accessible from anywhere, while mobile library vans bring books and e-learning tools to underserved communities.
GhLA is also introducing AI training, coding programs, and past exam materials to support students’ academic success. These innovations aim to make libraries inclusive, interactive, and relevant for modern learners—especially those in rural areas or with limited access to textbooks.
To sustain progress, the Authority is seeking partnerships with organizations like UNICEF, Book Aid International, and the Du Bois Centre, while proposing a dedicated “library fund” to reduce reliance on government financing. A review of the outdated Act 327 is also underway to align library services with global standards.
Prof. Betintiche emphasized the urgent need for a proper national library to serve as Ghana’s intellectual and heritage hub, replacing the limited George Padmore Library. He also advocated for presidential and memorial libraries to preserve national legacies.
He called on government, corporate bodies, and the public to support libraries, stressing that they are vital tools for lifelong learning and national transformation.
