Ayindaana Community Center Opens in Adenta to Promote Social Connection
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
Founder of the Ayindaana Community Center, Professor Sarah Johnson Atunah-Jay, has highlighted the importance of community, reading, and shared spaces in improving education and overall wellbeing, following the official opening of the facility at Adenta.
Speaking to The New Finder at the opening of the community Center, Professor Atunah-Jay explained that the center, which primarily serves as a library for children, is aimed at enhancing reading habits and supporting educational development within the community.
She emphasised her long-held belief in the power of community, noting that meaningful connections among people contribute significantly to healthier and stronger societies.
“I believe in community, and I believe that our connections to each other make us healthier and stronger,” she stated.
Professor Atunah-Jay recounted her personal journey with Ghana, revealing that she first visited the country in 1999 and has since maintained a strong connection over the years.
She stressed that health extends beyond clinical care to include environmental and social factors such as infrastructure, relationships, and creative expression.
“What makes people healthy goes beyond one-on-one care. It includes our built environment, connections with others, music, and art,” she explained.
She also highlighted the transformative role books have played in her life, especially growing up in a remote area where access to people and opportunities was limited.
“I saw the world through books and reading has also supported my mental wellbeing over the years,” she said.
Professor Atunah-Jay stressed that the idea to establish the center has been on her heart for a long time, inspired by her childhood experiences of spending hours in libraries and community spaces.
“I had to invest in something I believe in. Sometimes you just have to move forward and commit resources to what matters,” she said.
Professor Atunah-Jay further called for a shift in national and community investment priorities, urging greater focus on intellectual and creative infrastructure.
“We have invested a lot in hotels, but what we need are art centres and science centres, places where people can think and engage,” she stated, expressing confidence that such investments will yield long-term benefits.
The Ayindaana Community Center features a multi-purpose room with a seating capacity of about 15 people, as well as a co-working space where individuals can work remotely or engage in learning activities. The facility can also be used for science practical sessions and other educational programmes.
The center is expected to serve as a vital hub for children and residents in Adenta, fostering literacy, creativity, and stronger community ties.
