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.
“Mr Ekem’s selfless act of kindness is a testament to the impact one person can have on someone’s life and the ripple effects it can create,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.
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 on Monday, shared his inspiring story, highlighting the profound impact of Mr Ekem’s generosity on his life.
“Sometimes the difference between a statistic and a statesman is a stranger who chose to care,” he said, emphasizing the power of kindness and compassion.
Mr Afenyo-Markin said, “More than just a building, it’s a symbol of hope and opportunity, reminding us that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future.” “Your circumstances may be loud, but your dreams must be louder,” he added.
According to the Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, the initiative was part of his efforts to strengthen education and human capital development in Winneba, and it’s expected to serve as a major hub for learning, research, and digital empowerment for students, young people, and the wider Effutu community.
“The vision for this library is to be a hub where young minds can come together to learn, create, and innovate,” he noted.
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.
She emphasized that digital literacy, innovation, and community growth were inspiring.
While commending Mr Afenyo-Markin for his unwavering commitment to education and infrastructure development, she assured him of good maintenance of the facility.
“We will protect it and maintain it for generations to come to benefit from it,” she said.
Mrs Anderson therefore encouraged learners, teachers, and the community to utilize the facility purposefully.
She said, it’s not just a building; it’s a tool for transformation, and it’s exciting to think about the possibilities it brings.”
She also called for the community’s collective commitment to building a resilient and technologically advanced Effutu.
“Education is key to development, and embracing knowledge, innovation, and digital advancement is the way forward,” she said.
The Municipal Director of Education for the Effutu Municipality expressed appreciation to Mr Afenyo-Markin, the contractor, community leaders, and stakeholders for a testament to the power of collaboration and community effort.
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, marking the opening of new doors to knowledge, opportunity, innovation, and transformation, as libraries played a vital role in empowering the community.
He said, “His commitment to building 19 libraries in the municipality is truly commendable, and it’s evident that his efforts are making a significant impact on the community.”
“The Ghana Library Authority’s appreciation for his selflessness and vision is a testament to his dedication to literacy and youth development,” he said.
As a result, Rev. Dr. Fayose called on all to invest in libraries to promote literacy, numeracy, and digital readiness.
“The Ghana Library Authority’s initiatives, such as the children’s corner and mobile library, are excellent examples of how to make a difference.
“Now, it’s time for others to step up and support these efforts,” he stated.
He appealed to the MCE and traditional leaders to support the library’s sustainability as a reminder that collective effort was needed to ensure the facility’s success.
Reverend Kofi Attah Mensah, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Effutu, prayed the facility served the learners, teachers, and community for many years to come, adding that “may it be a beacon of hope for a brighter future,” he said.
