Aburi: In a poignant ceremony, a state-of-the-art library and Information Communication Technology (ICT) center has been commissioned in the Effutu Constituency in the Central Region, in honor of Mr. R.C. Ekem, a selfless individual who changed the life of Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Member of Parliament for Effutu, with an act of kindness in 1995.
According to Ghana News Agency, the R.C. Ekem Library and ICT Centre (NT Akorfam) facility, located in Low Cost, a community in the Effutu constituency, is equipped with modern technology resources, a well-stocked library, an ICT centre, private reading rooms, and a conference hall and aims to provide opportunities for the children of Effutu to learn, grow, and thrive. This brings a total of 19 libraries in the constituency.
Mr Afenyo-Markin, also the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Leader in Parliament, speaking at the commissioning, shared his inspiring story, highlighting the profound impact of Mr Ekem's generosity on his life. He emphasized the power of kindness and compassion, stating, 'Sometimes the difference between a statistic and a statesman is a stranger who chose to care.'
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu noted that the initiative was part of his efforts to strengthen education and human capital development in Winneba. It's expected to serve as a major hub for learning, research, and digital empowerment for students, young people, and the wider Effutu community.
Mrs. Diana Anderson, Municipal Director of Education for the Effutu Municipality, highlighted the impact of the ICT and library complex on the low-cost community as a game-changer for the Effutu municipality. While commending Mr Afenyo-Markin for his unwavering commitment to education and infrastructure development, she assured him of good maintenance of the facility and encouraged learners, teachers, and the community to utilize the facility purposefully.
Rev. Dr. Cyril G.K. Fayose, a board member of the Ghana Library Authority, who spoke on behalf of Mr Ziblim Alhassan, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Library Authority, said the commissioning of the library facility was indeed a milestone. He called on all to invest in libraries to promote literacy, numeracy, and digital readiness, emphasizing that collective effort was needed to ensure the facility's success.
Reverend Kofi Attah Mensah, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Effutu, expressed hope that the facility would serve the learners, teachers, and community for many years to come, as a beacon of hope for a brighter future.