Let’s encourage use of mobile libraries to teach children to read
In the current technology era, mobile libraries are becoming increasingly important because youngsters are moving away from reading books in favour of simply looking at displays on their phones and the internet.
Libraries used to be so important that children would go there frequently, sometimes with their parents or friends, to read books and other materials, then they would borrow books to read at home.
Due to social media’s dominance, library visits are on the decline in modern society.
Although using the internet or social media in general is not a terrible thing, some children abuse it and use it for a variety of purposes that are not in their best interests.
The Spectator is happy that the newly inaugurated “National Children and Mobile Library” has been stocked with over 23,500 books on various age group classifications to support early child development and reading skills in children.
According to the Ghana Library Authority (GLA), the library, currently located at the Airport residential area, is fully stocked with 22,000 books, 24 tablets, and free WiFi. Its auxiliary mobile library is also stocked with about 1,500 books and 20 laptops for children in remote areas who might not be able to access the National Children’s Library at its current location.
It is particularly reassuring to learn that the comprehensive facility was also planned with a training centre and conference rooms for the training of librarians for schools, as well as with assistive equipment for those with vision and hearing issues.
We think this programme is a fantastic opportunity to help children build the habit of reading so they can learn new things, hone their literary skills across a range of subjects, excel in school, expand their vocabulary, and even read for enjoyment.
Even when reading is not particularly related to a subject, research shows that reading improves students’ performance in a variety of subjects.
This means that by utilising the mobile library effectively, children will also be able to advance their academic skills rather than relying solely on social media.
It is vital to emphasise that using a library is still useful today, even if users of libraries today tend to use computers instead of book shelves to find knowledge to solve problems.
So, it is essential that children read books, and parents should be urged to read to their children from an early age in order to provide them a strong foundation in literacy.
As a nation, we must instill a love of reading in young children since reading helps people increase their vocabulary and makes it easier for them to pronounce and comprehend complex words in context.
Spelling bee competitions for schools have been organised by several organisations, and the victors have benefitted from financial assistance to travel abroad to compete against pupils internationally, bringing honour to the country.
Such programmes should be made available in local areas as this will motivate more children to take part and compete.
Children should be allowed to visit the Logos Ship Library anytime it docks in Tema, as well as the Ghana Library Authority, British Council, George Padmore Research Library, Balme Library, and other libraries.
We hope that the mobile library will be made available to more localities so that children in isolated locations can easily reach it and take advantage of the resource.
The Spectator appeals to charitable individuals, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), private institutions, school administrators, parents, and all other interested parties to fund this mobile library facility in order to guarantee that library services and resources are accessible around-the-clock.
Let’s encourage the use of mobile libraries to teach children to read and help them expand their vocabulary.
Ghana international forward, Felix Afena-Gyan was the victim of a burglary at his residence in Italy over the weekend while he was away on national team duty with the Black Stars.
In a statement released Monday, May 25, Afena-Gyan’s team said the incident occurred while the player was in camp for Ghana’s match against Mexico.
Upon returning to Italy, it was discovered that his apartment had been unlawfully accessed and several personal belongings were taken.
The statement reassured fans and the public that the 23-year-old forward is safe, physically unharmed, and “maintaining a positive mindset despite this unfortunate incident.”
The matter has been formally reported to Italian law enforcement authorities, who are actively investigating the case. No further details about the stolen items will be released at this time to avoid interfering with the investigation.
Afena-Gyan’s representatives also addressed footage circulating on social media, urging members of the media and the public to respect the player’s privacy and refrain from sharing invasive images of his personal residence.
“Felix remains deeply grateful for the overwhelming support, concern, and solidarity shown by fans in Ghana, Italy, and across the world,” the statement read.
The forward is now refocusing on his club duties and upcoming football commitments.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
A new international whitepaper on democracy in Africa has placed Ghana’s Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, at the centre of a major research study on the role of opposition parties in strengthening democratic governance across the continent.
The study is being conducted by the African Chamber of Content Producers (ACCP) in partnership with the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Ghana.
It uses Ghana’s 2025/2026 parliamentary session as a case study to examine how opposition parties can contribute to peace, development and democratic stability.
President of the ACCP, Nana Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin, said the research forms part of a wider continental project aimed at identifying successful governance models in Africa.
He explained that the chamber is interested in promoting positive African stories and finding practical democratic systems that other countries can adopt.
Mr. Dwomoh-Doyen said political differences should not create division or hostility among leaders and citizens.
He stated that despite belonging to different political sides, people must work together in the interest of national development.
According to him, Ghana’s democratic journey and parliamentary system made the country an important case for the study.
The whitepaper, titled “A Strong and Responsible Opposition in Africa: A Ghanaian Case Study (2025/2026 Review)”, reviews the Minority Leader’s parliamentary activities, including his statements, motions and media engagements.
Researchers are also conducting public opinion surveys in Accra, Kumasi and Tamale as part of the study.
Head of ACCP’s Liberia branch, Dr. Murphy T. Jackson, said African countries should formally recognise and support the office of the Leader of the Opposition through legal structures and institutional resources.
He noted that such systems would help reduce the chances of unconstitutional changes of government on the continent.
Head of Research at ACCP Ghana, David Adofo, described Ghana’s opposition institution as one of the strongest in Africa.
He said although the current research focuses on Ghana, future studies would examine opposition institutions in other African countries.
Deputy Secretary General of UPF-Ghana, Tegha King, stressed the importance of a responsible opposition in national development.
Speaking on behalf of the Universal Peace Federation and the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), he said opposition parties should not be seen as enemies of progress.
According to him, respectful debate, alternative policy ideas and cross-party dialogue are necessary for strong democratic institutions and national peace.
The research comes at a time when some African countries are experiencing political instability and military takeovers.
Despite these challenges, Ghana continues to be recognised as one of Africa’s stable democracies, having recorded several peaceful transfers of power since 1992.
The completed whitepaper will later be submitted to an international peer-reviewed journal, while the abstract has already been made available upon request.
By: Jacob Aggrey
