The Ghana Library Authority has commissioned a new 12-seater ultra-modern Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facility at the George Padmore Research Library on African Affairs in Accra, marking the first completed project under its partnership with Sanitopia CIC.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Monday, May 26, brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, corporate stakeholders and media practitioners.
Chief Executive Officer of EIB Network, Bola Ray, was also present at the event.
Speaking at the ceremony, Executive Director of the Ghana Library Authority, Ziblim Alhassan Betitiche, described the facility as a major step toward improving sanitation infrastructure in public libraries across the country.
“Libraries are no longer spaces only for books and reading. They are now centres of learning, innovation, community development, and social transformation,” he stated.
He noted that the George Padmore Research Library continues to serve as an important institution for students, researchers, diplomats, journalists, policymakers and international scholars interested in African history and governance.
Mr. Betitiche explained that the project aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Six on clean water and sanitation, stressing the importance of safe and hygienic facilities for library users, particularly women, children and persons with disabilities.
He further disclosed that the project is the first completed initiative under a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Ghana Library Authority and Sanitopia CIC.
Under the partnership agreement, Sanitopia CIC is expected to construct 150 WASH facilities across Ghana Library Authority branches nationwide.
According to him, the initiative will help create safer and more welcoming spaces for library patrons while improving sanitation standards within public libraries.
The Executive Director also highlighted the Authority’s Adopt-a-Library Initiative, which seeks support from corporate institutions, development agencies and individuals to help renovate, digitise and modernise libraries across the country.
He called on stakeholders and members of the surrounding community to take ownership of the newly commissioned facility to ensure its sustainability for future generations.
Representatives from the Ministry of Education, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, staff of the Ghana Library Authority and officials of Sanitopia CIC were present at the event.
