The Executive Director of the Ghana Library Authority, Mr. Hayford Siaw has disclosed that government has made available all necessary resources towards the completion of a Central Library in the Volta Region.
He made this known in an exclusive interview with SandCity Radio, after the Ghana Library Authority has emerged as ‘Library of the Year’ by the London Book Fair (LBF) International Excellence Awards 2021 following the exceptional measures adopted by the Institution to support remote reading and learning nationwide after competing against the Kenya National Library Services (Kenya) and Public Library “Fran Galovic” Koprivnica (Croatia) in the final shortlist.
The Ghana Library Authority was setup to improve literacy outcomes, which is key to the development of the country as well as connecting Ghanaians to obtain knowledge
This organization is also authorized by law to inaugurate, prepare, maintain as well as manage all public library facilities in the country.
The Judges of the London Book Fair International Excellence Award, in a press release to announce the winners stated that “It really struck us as an amazing story of transformation and an example of how library services tackle some of the most pressing issues confronting their users. From using technology to support remote learning to promoting information skills, literacy and reading, this is a great example of the difference a quality library can make.”
Mr. Hayford Siaw, lauded the government of Ghana, led by His Excellency Nana Akuffo-Addo, for the immense efforts and support to promote the work of this Institution.
He indicated that, the Free Senior High School policy that the President has initiated, has also helped in diverse ways to transforming libraries in the country.
Mr. Hayford Siaw said the Ghana Library Authority has used its technological experience to support the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service in deploying a learning management system.
“Our digital Library was enhanced last year to include learning tutorial videos that have been developed for E-learning and distant school. Over 30,000 Ghanaians have enrolled in our Read2skill program. We had support from UNICEF to deploy mobile library vans to transport books to homes of young people in the era of COVID-19. All of these provided the opportunity for Ghanaians to learn. The London Book Fair International Excellence Award, identifying this tremendous impact, decided to recognize the Ghana Library Authority as the ‘Library of the Year’ which is a global competition.” He stated.
Mr. Siaw added that this is the first time Ghana Library Authority has won the LBF award as an agency of the Republic of Ghana.
He therefore urged teachers and parents to also support the work of the Ghana Library Authority by sending their students or wards to the library to read and obtain more knowledge in the various fields of study.
Mr. Hayford Siaw however pledged his commitment to ensuring that the Volta Regional Library is fully completed in due time for everybody to benefit from its services.
Please Kindly Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel
Story By: Kekeli K. Blamey/sandcityradioonline.com
