Education Minister Calls for Investment in School Libraries
The Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has revealed that most schools across the country lack adequate and well-equipped libraries, emphasizing the urgent need for increased investment in library facilities.
Answering questions at the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament on Monday, November 3, 2025, noted that the decline in reading habits among Ghanaians is adversely affecting learning outcomes and civic awareness. “We need to invest more in libraries,” he stressed.
He made this disclosure following appeals from traditional leaders in various regions, who urged the government to complete regional library projects in their areas. “I was in Bono Ahafo, and the Omanhene invited me and raised concerns about the Sunyani Regional Library. The same concern was raised in Koforidua. When you go to many schools, they do not have adequate support when it comes to their libraries,” he said.
The Education Minister further disclosed that plans are underway to present a proposal before Parliament to amend the Ghana Library Authority Act to facilitate the establishment of libraries in schools nationwide.
He emphasized that Ghana’s reading culture must be strengthened, adding, “When you travel abroad, especially in the mornings, you will see almost everybody holding a newspaper, catching their breath on what is happening in the country. We generally have to look at the reading culture of Ghana.”
Mr. Iddrisu also indicated that, where resources permit, the Ministry of Education intends to establish digital libraries at all levels of education. “If we have the resources, we should be thinking about getting a digital library across our educational levels,” he said, stressing that children should not only attend school but do so with a genuine commitment to learning.
