The Ghana Library Authority (GhLA) has formally endorsed the establishment of the John Dramani Mahama Presidential Library and Legacy Centre (JDM-PLLC), describing the initiative as a significant national project that could redefine the preservation of Ghana’s history, democratic heritage and presidential records.
The endorsement was announced following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ghana Library Authority and the project team led by Chief Hissan Siita Sofo, President of the AfCFTA Young Entrepreneurs Federation (AfYEF) and Convener of the JDM-PLLC initiative.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Library Authority, Mr Alhassan Ziblim, said the Authority would provide technical assistance to support the development of the project, which he believes has the potential to become Ghana’s first fully functioning presidential library.
According to Mr Ziblim, although the Authority initially had concerns about the feasibility of the project, the commitment and persistence demonstrated by Chief Siita and his team had convinced the Authority to support the initiative.
“We will provide the technical expertise required to ensure the project meets the standards of a modern library institution,” he said, adding that the Authority’s support would focus on areas such as library management, public access systems, archival preservation and knowledge management, but would not include direct financial assistance.
The Ghana Library Authority, in its official endorsement letter, noted that the proposed centre would contribute significantly to preserving Ghana’s documentary heritage, presidential records and national memory, while creating opportunities for research, education, innovation and youth development.
The Authority further stated that the project aligns with a broader national vision championed by the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, who has tasked the Ghana Library Authority to spearhead efforts toward establishing Presidential Memorial Libraries in honour of Ghana’s former Heads of State and Presidents.
GhLA believes the John Dramani Mahama Presidential Library and Legacy Centre could serve as a pilot model for future presidential libraries across the country.
The Authority indicated its readiness to collaborate with the project team in areas including digital archiving of presidential records, heritage preservation, research and knowledge management, technology-driven library services, public access to historical resources, youth civic education and the development of sustainable frameworks for future presidential libraries.
Mr Ziblim also used the occasion to draw attention to the limited availability of public library services in northern Ghana, stressing the need for increased investment in library infrastructure and educational resources across the Savannah, North East, Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions.
He explained that while existing legislation does not explicitly mandate the Ghana Library Authority to establish and manage presidential memorial libraries, a revised law currently awaiting parliamentary approval would provide that legal backing when passed.
For his part, Chief Hissan Siita Sofo welcomed the Authority’s endorsement, describing it as a major milestone in the journey to establish a world-class presidential library and legacy centre dedicated to preserving the records, achievements and contributions of former President John Dramani Mahama.
He said the initiative is not only about documenting the legacy of President Mahama but also creating a national platform to preserve and celebrate the contributions of Northerners and other distinguished Ghanaians who have played critical roles in the country’s development.
Chief Siita noted that the partnership with the Ghana Library Authority would strengthen the project’s technical foundation and help position the centre as a leading institution for research, learning, historical preservation and civic education.
The project team believes the centre will serve future generations by providing access to historical records, policy documents, leadership lessons and educational resources that will contribute to national development and democratic governance.
The endorsement by the Ghana Library Authority is expected to provide further momentum for the project as stakeholders continue engagements toward its implementation and eventual establishment as a landmark national institution.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
