Anloga: The Council of Ewe Associations of North America (CEANA), in partnership with the Anloga Development Association of North America (ADANA), has successfully renovated and handed over a modern public library facility to the Anloga community in the Volta Region. This collaborative effort aims to advance education and create a conducive learning environment for the local population.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. William Kumah, President of CEANA, highlighted that the organization, representing Ewe associations in North America, funded the renovation to address the cultural and educational needs of the Anloga community and beyond. The initiative reflects the diaspora's commitment to homeland development, transforming the outdated library into a state-of-the-art facility equipped with modern bookshelves, digital resources, comfortable reading spaces, and a computer lab. The upgraded library is designed to serve students, researchers, and community members seeking knowledge and skills development.
Mr. Kumah expressed his pride in contributing to Anloga's educational infrastructure, emphasizing that access to quality libraries is crucial for nurturing young minds and preserving cultural heritage. He explained that the renovation funding was sourced entirely from CEANA's community development fund, demonstrating the organization's dedication to philanthropy and transnational support for heritage communities. The Anloga Public Library now houses an extensive collection of books in Ewe, English, and other languages, alongside digital resources for e-learning, aiming to preserve indigenous knowledge and expose the community to global information.
Mr. Kumah called on Ewe citizens worldwide to join the association in positively impacting communities and urged authorities and community leaders to practice a high level of maintenance culture to sustain the facility for improved teaching and learning. Mr. Kofi Agbolegbe, speaking on behalf of Mr. David Abusah, the ADANA president, encouraged the public to make full use of the facility and urged students to adopt a habit of learning. He noted that ADANA's key objectives include promoting education, skills development, and employment opportunities for citizens and those in the diaspora.
Mr. Agbolegbe emphasized that the modern public library's handover at the Anloga Evangelical Presbyterian basic school signifies a successful partnership between international diaspora organizations and local communities, setting a precedent for future development projects focusing on education and cultural preservation. Mr. Victor Dela Odamson, the Librarian in charge of Keta and Anloga, expressed gratitude for the support and pledged that the facility would be well maintained to serve as a hub for teaching, learning, and research. He expressed belief that the new library would stimulate intellectual growth in the area, fostering innovation and cultural pride among the youth.
Community resident Mr. Godwin Debra praised CEANA and ADANA for their impactful investment, noting that the modern library would enhance academic performance and promote lifelong learning within the Anloga District and beyond. The community welcomed the facility, recognizing its potential to improve research capabilities and provide a conducive studying environment. Suggestions for training sessions on modern management practices and digital resource utilization were proposed to ensure the sustainable operation of the facility.
The Anloga community hopes the library will inspire similar development projects in other areas, encouraging diaspora involvement in local initiatives. The facility stands as a symbol of unity between the Ewe diaspora and their homeland. The newly renovated Anloga Public Library at the EP basic school was unveiled in a vibrant ceremony attended by community leaders, educators, government officials, and representatives from CEANA and ADANA, marking a significant boost to literacy and access to information in the area.