The Ghana Library Authority has recorded patronage of 821,836 as of September this year (2019) from 393,430 in 2016.
It has also renovated 30 libraries across the country which were in a deplorable state and has increased the book stock by 120,000.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Hayford Siaw in an interview with GBC’s Radio Ghana said the achievements are as a result of ongoing reforms to promote reading and encourage Ghanaians to patronize libraries.
The Ghana Library Authority was established in 1950 with the responsibility of establishing, maintaining, equipping and managing all public libraries.
According to the Acting CEO of the Authority, Hayford Siaw when he was appointed in 2018, there were 61 public libraries across the country but now it has been increased to 70.
He said with the government’s approved new four-year Education Strategic plan from 2018 to 2022, the Authority is mandated to promote reading and establishment of libraries in communities and schools.
Mr Siaw said as part of the reforms, the Authority has automated the book processing unit and introduced a digital application where people can download books to read.
He said the Authority has organized series of programmes to train librarians in all schools to ensure that they do their work diligently.
STORY FILED BY: ERNEST OBENG-ANIM