Library Authority seeks review of 55-year-old Act to realign mandate
By DL News
Published
1 min read
As part of the reforms, GhLA is pushing for a comprehensive review of its 55-year-old Act to provide a legal foundation for transformation.
The Ghana Library Authority (GhLA) has announced an ambitious “Library Reset Agenda” aimed at modernising the country’s public library system through digitization, innovation, and expanded access to digital learning.
Executive Director Ziblim Alhassan said the initiative will reimagine libraries as centers for skills development and digital inclusion, aligning them with the needs of Ghana’s fast-changing economy.
Reviewing a 55-Year-Old Act
As part of the reforms, GhLA is pushing for a comprehensive review of its 55-year-old Act to provide a legal foundation for transformation.
According to Mr. Alhassan, the revised Act will establish National and Presidential Memorial Libraries, secure sustainable funding streams, extend the tenure of the Authority’s Governing Board, and formally integrate digitisation into its mandate.
“This review will serve as the legal backbone for the transformation we seek in Ghana’s library ecosystem,” he emphasised.
EIFL Programme Manager, Ramunė Petuchovaite, praised Ghana’s approach, describing the collaboration as a model for impact. She highlighted achievements in digital literacy and community empowerment, noting that 15 libraries under the project have already been transformed into fully functional digital learning centres.
“This partnership, which has spanned over a decade, is reshaping libraries into hubs of opportunity by applying technology and innovative services,” she said.
The Library Reset Agenda builds on the Digital Learning at Ghana Public Libraries Project (2024–2025), which has already trained over 15,000 students in foundational digital skills through school outreach and intensive workshops. Courses covered Microsoft Office, internet research, online safety, graphic design, coding, and web development.
Out of this number, 1,539 students successfully completed in-depth workshops and received certificates in digital skills, positioning them better for the demands of the knowledge economy.
The Authority sees libraries as a crucial response to challenges in Ghana’s education sector, where many students face poor connectivity, unreliable electricity, and limited access to ICT tools. By leveraging libraries as digital hubs, GhLA hopes to redefine their role as vital enablers of socio-economic development and human capital growth.
