The Ghana Library Authority (GhLA) has intensified its nationwide library modernization agenda with the commissioning of a new ultra-modern sanitation facility at the George Padmore Research Library on African Affairs in Accra, as officials renewed calls for greater public and private support to improve library infrastructure across the country.
The newly commissioned 12-seater sanitation facility, described as a major boost to public health and learning conditions, forms part of a broader five-year partnership between the Ghana Library Authority and Sanitopia CIC to construct 150 sanitation facilities across library branches nationwide.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Executive Director of the Ghana Library Authority, Mr. Ziblim Alhassan Betitiche, described the project as a symbol of progress and collaboration aimed at creating safe, clean and accessible public spaces for library users.
He noted that the George Padmore Research Library remains one of Ghana’s most important research institutions on African affairs and said the provision of modern sanitation infrastructure would improve comfort and accessibility for students, researchers, diplomats, policymakers and the general public.
Mr. Betitiche said the project aligns with the Authority’s wider modernization agenda, stressing that improved sanitation facilities are essential to creating healthier and more welcoming library environments, particularly for children, women and persons with disabilities.
He also used the occasion to launch an “Adopt a Library” initiative, calling on corporate Ghana, philanthropists, development partners and private citizens to support the transformation of libraries through infrastructure upgrades, digitization and expansion of learning resources.
According to Mr. Betitiche, government alone cannot carry the burden of library development, especially as many public libraries across the country remain in old structures that require urgent modernization.
He highlighted regional disparities in library distribution, noting that while Greater Accra and several southern regions host a larger number of functioning facilities, parts of northern Ghana continue to face limited access to quality public library services.
The Executive Director disclosed that some libraries in northern communities have remained closed for years, with efforts currently underway in collaboration with local authorities and Members of Parliament to reactivate and rehabilitate such facilities.
Founder and President of the Trustees of Sanitopia CIC, Richard Kojo Acheapong Esq., described the project as an investment in dignity, public health and the enhancement of learning spaces.
He said the newly commissioned facility is the first completed project under the memorandum of understanding signed with the Ghana Library Authority in November 2025 and announced plans to commission about 20 more facilities within the next 120 days as part of the first phase of implementation.
Mr. Acheapong stressed that inadequate sanitation remains a major challenge in Ghana, especially in schools and public institutions, and called for stronger partnerships with development agencies, corporate institutions and individuals to help address the situation.
He also revealed a partnership aimed at improving menstrual hygiene management for schoolgirls and vulnerable groups, including plans to establish a local manufacturing facility in Ghana to produce reusable hygiene products for the African market.
Commissioning the facility on behalf of the Vice President, Dr. Miriam Rahinatu Iddrisu, Social Advisor to the Vice President, praised Sanitopia for supporting public infrastructure and commended the Ghana Library Authority for what she described as visible progress in improving community amenities.
Dr. Iddrisu assured stakeholders that the Office of the Vice President would support the operation of the facility by providing consumables such as toiletries and liquid soap to ensure its continuous functionality.
She urged library management and community members to maintain the facility and foster a strong culture of cleanliness and accountability to protect the investment.
Officials say the commissioning marks the beginning of a broader nationwide rollout expected to improve sanitation, public health and access to quality library services, while reinforcing the Ghana Library Authority’s push to modernize learning spaces and bridge regional infrastructure gaps across the country.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
