Ghana Library Authority and AfYEF Partner to Establish the John Dramani Mahama Presidential Library and Legacy Centre

The Ghana Library Authority (GhLA) has formally entered into a partnership with the AfCFTA Young Entrepreneurs Federation (AfYEF) to facilitate the development and operation of the John Dramani Mahama Presidential Library and Legacy Centre (JDM-PLLC). This collaboration, solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Accra, marks a significant step toward creating a dedicated institutional framework for preserving the executive history and intellectual legacy of President John Dramani Mahama. The library is envisioned as a premier hub for research, archival preservation, and youth empowerment, aligning with national efforts to modernize and democratize access to historical government records.

According to Ziblim Alhassan Betintiche, the Executive Director of the GhLA, the JDM-PLLC is poised to become Ghana’s first fully functioning presidential library. Unlike traditional public libraries, this center will focus specifically on the archival functions related to the President’s tenure and the broader socio-political history of the nation during his administration. Mr. Betintiche emphasized that the initiative is designed as a non-partisan national institution, intended to serve as a resource for scholars, policy analysts, and the general public. By partnering with AfYEF, the library aims to integrate entrepreneurship and leadership training into its programming, ensuring that the legacy center remains relevant to the needs of Ghana’s youth population.

The formal launch of the project is scheduled for November 30, 2026, with the inaugural event slated to take place at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale. The choice of Tamale as the launch site underscores a commitment to regional inclusivity and positions the university as a critical knowledge hub for the project. The JDM-PLLC will not only house physical documents and artifacts but will also serve as a digital repository, utilizing modern technology to enhance the library's archival capabilities. This strategic rollout aims to ensure that the presidential library becomes a cornerstone of Ghana’s cultural and educational infrastructure.

As the development of the John Dramani Mahama Presidential Library and Legacy Centre progresses, the collaboration between the GhLA and AfYEF sets a precedent for how public institutions and youth-led organizations can co-manage national heritage projects. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of documenting presidential history for educational purposes, providing a transparent record for future generations. With the late 2026 launch date set, stakeholders are expected to focus on fundraising, collection development, and the establishment of the physical and digital facilities necessary to bring this ambitious national project to fruition.