The Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia-led government have made remarkable strides in transforming Ghana's educational landscape, with a strategic focus on revitalizing public libraries. This initiative underscores their commitment to fostering literacy, digital inclusion, and lifelong learning across the country.

According to Hayford Siaw, CEO of the Ghana Library Authority (GLA), the visionary leadership of the NPP government has been instrumental in the agency’s achievements.

Under their tenure, the number of public libraries has more than doubled, expanding from 61 to 133. Additionally, significant investments in technology infrastructure have enabled the provision of digital library services, and the book stock has surged from just over 300,000 to nearly 2 million volumes.

Empowering Youth Through Digital Skills

Highlighting the NPP's forward-thinking approach, Mr. Siaw pointed to a key promise in the party’s 2024 manifesto: training one million Ghanaian youth in digital skills.

He emphasized that leveraging the country's library infrastructure is crucial to achieving this goal.

Libraries, as accessible community spaces, offer an ideal environment for delivering such training and ensuring all Ghanaians benefit from this transformative initiative.

Under Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s digitalization agenda, libraries have been reimagined as knowledge hubs central to bridging the digital divide.

The government’s commitment to this vision is evident in the distribution of over 1,000 computers, the establishment of internet connections in several libraries, and the launch of the national digital library. These investments are equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.

Beyond Books: Libraries as Centers of Innovation

Speaking on Oda Mu Nsem on CTV, Mr. Siaw highlighted the diverse range of resources modern libraries offer. From e-books and online databases to educational software, these facilities cater to the varied learning needs of Ghanaians.

He also underscored the importance of training librarians and educators to maximize the impact of these resources.

Mr. Siaw commended key NPP leaders, including  Afenyo Markin,  Ursula Owusu-Ekuful,  Francis Asenso-Boakye, and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh—NPP’s Vice-Presidential Candidate—for their roles in building libraries to advance the government’s literacy agenda.

Their efforts exemplify the NPP’s belief in libraries as vital tools for community engagement, knowledge sharing, and innovation.

A Call for Continuity

Reflecting on the progress made, Mr. Siaw passionately appealed to Ghanaians to support the NPP in the upcoming elections.

He stressed that continuity in governance is essential to sustaining and advancing these achievements.

“The NPP’s track record and future vision align with the Ghana Library Authority’s mission of promoting literacy and education,” he stated.

Mr. Siaw further noted that libraries represent more than physical structures—they are platforms for empowering future generations to become leaders and innovators. By prioritizing education, the NPP government is laying a solid foundation for Ghana’s growth and prosperity.

As the December 7th elections draw near, Ghanaians face a pivotal choice. Mr. Siaw urged voters to consider the tangible progress made under the NPP’s leadership and to embrace the party’s vision for a brighter, more literate, and digitally empowered future.

The strides in public library development are a testament to what focused and visionary leadership can achieve