By Elizabeth PUNSU, Afari
Sanitation and Literacy Ghana (SALG) has built and donated a modern library and ICT centre to the Afari community in the Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal area of the Ashanti Region.
Named after the former chief of Afari Oheneba Acheampong Akwasi II, the facility is situated at the Presbyterian Basic School, Afari. Stocked with various categories of books and literature, including science materials, the library aims to aid pupils in the area with their studies and exam preparations. Additionally, the ICT section provides laptops with WiFi connections to support research activities for students.
The Ghana Library Authority will oversee the management of the facility to ensure its longevity and intended purpose. Furthermore, the library features a teachers’ conference room funded by a philanthropist from the United States, Dr. Delores Henderson.
Rosemond Sarpong Owens, Co-founder of SALG, highlighted that the library’s construction aims to promote literacy in the region and enhance students’ academic performance.
She reiterated SALG’s commitment to addressing the literacy crisis in the country by providing books to schools, libraries and orphanages across the country.
“The library, strategically located in the town of Afari – between Kumasi and Nkawie in the Ashanti Region, is poised to become a beacon of hope for young children in the region, breaking away from traditional occupations of farming and pottery.
“SALG has identified the lack of accessible libraries as a major hurdle, particularly in rural areas where students go through their educational journey without ever setting foot in a library. SALG aims to change this narrative by establishing libraries and providing easy access to a variety of books in public schools and communities,” she stated.
Ashanti Regional Librarian, Ofosu Frimpong, on his part, commended SALG’s initiative and called for more philanthropic efforts to support library development, stressing the importance of community involvement in ensuring access to knowledge resources.
He noted that the new library adds to the existing 19 community libraries in the region, and affirmed the Ghana Library Authority’s commitment to promoting a culture of maintenance to preserve these valuable resources for the community.
