George Padmore research library: The forgotten historical sanctuary

Ghana has rich historical records that have been documented for generations. Many times, people dwell on oral history because they are easily accessible.

However, the oral history is gradually disappearing, with some being subjected to exaggeration.

In an era where it has become important for Ghana’s history to be preserved, many ask, where can these historical records be found?

The George Padmore Research Library is a home for some of these records. The library established in the 1961 to honour the memory of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s then personal advisor on African affairs, George Padmore, holds significant historical records.

Acting Director of the Library, Simon Teye, argues the facility holds significant history which can be referenced for any such historical data search. He says the library has “rare collection of all books published by ex-presidents and heads of state of the country, the 31 books published by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, daily newspapers from the 1950’s, all government publications like the legislative instruments, conservative instruments, parliamentary debates, acts of Ghana and every history information about Ghana’s independence.”

On the culture of the people of Ghana he said, “We have books on all the festivals of Ghana irrespective of the community or particular region that performs the festival. Books on the Dipo rites of the Krobos, everything.”

A library with over 170, 000 books on the shelves with most of them being historical records, it is rather unfortunate that there is low patronage especially among young people who should be interested in knowing about the Ghanaian history.

Gifty is a student and is of the view that because of technology, she has access to all resource materials on her phone, “you know everything is technology now so I don’t really make time to visit the library. I will rather search for them on my phone.”

Idi Dowoona, also a student believes that for the Ghana Library Authority, to be able to do more, they must be assisted with all the necessary help they need. He said, “I think they should be supported so that they can deliver on their mandate.”

But Simon Teye thinks that although they have provided access for most of the materials online, the idea of the public can never be overlooked. “We provide online services like the Ghana Library App. We also have the Ghana National Bibliography available on our website for free but we can still never do away with the physical public libraries in the country because they should not forget, they can just go online and have access to some of these books on amazon and others. But the physical library is a little less expensive compared to the online information. And there’s no system break down in the library.”

Amidst challenges within the Ghana Library Authority are issues of space and funding. He believes Ghana’s library system is working and the young should take advantage to learn about past historical events.
“If you don’t know the history of Ghana you will never know the future of Ghana. It is the history that teaches us about the future. So, it is advisable for the young people to know exactly what has happened in the past,” he noted.

By: Samuel Yeboah Adams

The post George Padmore research library: The forgotten historical sanctuary first appeared on 3News.

Read Full Story