GHLA Introduces Mobile App, Computers and Internet Connectivity as annual visits surge from 350k to 1.8m

Accra, Ghana - Nov 14, 2024 - Ghana's library landscape has undergone significant transformations since 1981, with the number of public libraries soaring from 36 to 133 according to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Library Authority (GhLA), Hayford Siaw.

Speaking on the Joy News AM Show on Thursday, November 14, he stated that authority's strategic efforts have been instrumental in this growth, aiming to reach 540 libraries by 2030.

"In 1981, we had 36 public libraries. Fast forward to 2017, and we have increased the network of public libraries to 61. The government, within the framework of the 2018–2030 strategic plan, which proposed we should have about 540 libraries by 2030, decided to implement an aggressive strategy to expand our reach,'' he stated.

"Today, we have added 72 new libraries to the network, so we are now managing 133 libraries under the Ghana Library Authority.''

"Books on the shelves, which had declined to fewer than 400,000, now total almost 2 million books in our public libraries," he added.

He also noted the introduction of a mobile app which enables virtual library access. According to Siaw, over 1,000 computers have been distributed across libraries nationwide.

 "We have procured over 1,000 computers, which we have distributed across most of our libraries nationwide. Under the Ghana government's digital strategy, we have also expanded internet connectivity to almost half of the libraries we manage across the country."

According to him, annual library visits have surged from 350,000 to 1.8 million, with 80% of patrons being children aged 18 and below.

"We used to record around 350,000 visits annually in 2016 and 2017, but today we are almost at 1.8 million visits annually. This means that many more people are visiting the libraries and using the resources," he added.

Source: Florence Kyei/ Lead News Online