Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has proposed the establishment of presidential libraries across Ghana to preserve the democratic legacy and leadership history of the Fourth Republic.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new governing board of the Ghana Library Authority in Accra, the Minister emphasised the need for dedicated institutions to document and celebrate the contributions of Ghana’s past presidents.

He noted that despite having six presidents since 1993, Ghana lacks any formal library or archive system for preserving presidential records and achievements.

“These libraries will serve not only as national archives but also as centres for civic education, history, and leadership development,” he said, and added that “It’s time we created spaces where the writings and legacy of leaders like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah can be accessed and appreciated.”

Haruna Iddrisu consequently directed the Library Authority to develop a legislative framework for the establishment and governance of the proposed libraries.

He stressed that the institutions should be financially independent of direct state support to ensure sustainability and objectivity.

Citing international examples such as the Lincoln Memorial in the U.S. and the Belgrade Library in Serbia, the Minister underscored the importance of safeguarding national heritage through accessible public learning spaces.

Chairman of the Ghana Library Authority, Dr. Michael Ato Essuman welcomed the initiative and pledged the Authority’s commitment to its realisation.

In a related development, the Minister also swore-in the newly appointed boards of the Ghana Library Authority and the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET).

He urged the boards to prioritise youth employment interventions, describing the issue as a national emergency.

He also advocated for the creation of a dedicated CTVET Fund to ensure sustainable financing for the sector.

The proposed fund would provide long-term support and help align CTVET initiatives with Ghana’s development goals.

The Minister further called for enhanced collaboration with the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to ensure continuous investment in CTVET infrastructure and programmes.

The proposed presidential libraries, the Education Minister noted, will not only enhance access to historical resources but also contribute to education and civic engagement among the youth.