HIPC funded school library commissioned in Takoradi

Takoradi, Dec 1, GNA- Mrs Gladys Asmah, Minister of Women and Children's Affairs said reading and patronage of libraries could reduce HIV/AIDS and drug abuse among children in the country.

She expressed regret that many young people do not patronise libraries and said without reading, it would be impossible for young people to assume leadership positions in the country.

Mrs Asmah was commissioning of a 100 million cedis library funded from the HIPC for the Bishop Esuah Catholic Schools Complex at Takoradi on Monday.

Mrs Asmah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Takoradi, initiated the project and said the facility should serve as a centre of ideas and enhance academic performance.

She appealed to parents to encourage their children to read more frequently.

Mrs Asmah urged the management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ghana Library Board (GLB), to institute a spelling competition for the youth in all schools while the elderly and the youth should be motivated to patronise public libraries.

"Such initiatives would attract the youth into the libraries and enable the elderly to use their leisure time to read and serve as role models for their communities" she added.

Reverend Father Francis Tawiah, Administrator of the Star of the Sea Cathedral said the church would equip the library with 35 computers to make research and computer studies accessible for the children. He said the church would continue to support the nation in its development.

Nana Kobina Nketsiah, Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Director of Education said books are indispensable in the day-to-day training of the child. He said children should be encouraged to begin reading to broaden their horizon.