The Ministry of Education has inaugurated a Technical Working Committee to commence the review of Ghana Library Authority’s law, Act 327 of 1970, marking a significant step toward strengthening the legal and institutional framework for modern library services in Ghana.
Enacted over five decades ago, Act 327 of 1970 has become increasingly limited in scope, constraining the Authority’s ability to fully respond to the evolving demands of education, technology, and community development.
The ongoing review seeks to modernise the legal framework to reflect the realities of a knowledge-driven and digital society.
The Committee, composed of seasoned professionals in librarianship, law, and governance, was inaugurated on behalf of the Minister for Education by the Technical Advisor for Pre-Tertiary Education, Mr. Stephen Kwaku Owusu.
This marks the beginning of a comprehensive and consultative process to assess and update the existing legislation.
The Committee is chaired by distinguished academic Professor Emeritus Alemna A. Anaaba, and includes members such as Prof. Philip K. Kankam of the GhLA Board; Dr. J. Sam, former Chair of CARLIGH; Dr. Monica Mensah of IFLA Sub Saharan African Region and the University of Ghana, Legon; Mr. Opong Ernest, Executive Director of APNET; Dr. Ali Nakyea, Esq. of Al-Nakyea & Associates PRUC; Dr. Helena Hassan-Asamoah, UNESCO Library Expert; Prof. Owusu Amponsah of the Planning Department at KNUST; Mr. Ziblim Alhassan Betintiche of the GhLA Board; Mrs. Jessica Mensah, Esq., Director of Library at the Parliament of Ghana; and Mrs. Judith Quarshie of the GhLA Board. The Committee is supported by its Secretary, Naana Nsafoah Sarpong, Esq., of the Ghana Library Authority.
The review process will engage stakeholders across sectors, including education, technology, youth development, and local gxovernance, ensuring that the revised Act reflects inclusive and forward-looking priorities.
The proposed new legal framework seeks to:
• Extend the tenure of the Governing Board from two (2) years to four (4) years
• Provide a mandate for the establishment of National and Presidential Libraries
• Establish a Library Council to regulate the library profession
• Create the position of Deputy Executive Director
• Grant the Ghana Library Authority enhanced regulatory authority
• Establish sustainable funding sources for the Authority
Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Owusu stated:
“The review of the Ghana Library Authority Act is both timely and necessary. Libraries are no longer just repositories of books; they are dynamic hubs for learning, innovation, and community engagement. This process will ensure that our legal framework empowers the Ghana Library Authority to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world and contribute meaningfully to national development. We are confident that the Committee’s recommendations will position the Authority as a benchmark for library services.”
Chairperson of the Committee, Professor Emeritus Alemna A. Anaaba, remarked:
“We are honored to lead this important national assignment. The Committee is committed to a thorough and consultative review process that will deliver a robust and future-oriented legislative framework. Our work will not only strengthen the Ghana Library Authority but also contribute meaningfully to national development.”
The Board Chair of the Ghana Library Authority, Dr. Michael Ato Essuman, added:
“This review represents a significant milestone in our transformation agenda. A strengthened Act will enable us to deepen our impact, expand our reach, and better serve communities across the country, particularly young people who rely on our spaces for learning, skills development, and opportunity.”
The Ghana Library Authority remains committed to advancing literacy, lifelong learning, and equitable access to information across Ghana. The outcome of this review is expected to reinforce its mandate and align its operations with global best practices.
