African Library Project

Spotlight on Ghana

January, 2016

• History: Was a first stop for European trading – focus on gold and slaves• Independence: First Sub-saharan nation to gain independence from the Europeans in 1957• Ethnic groups: Ghana is home to over 100 different ethnic groups. About 47 unique local

languages are spoken although English is the official language.• Literacy rate: One of the highest in Africa; Overall (72%), Men (78%), Women (65%)• Resources: Ghana is the world’s second largest exporter of cocoa. Rich in many other natural

resources, Ghana is also recognized for its oil, timber, electricity, diamonds, bauxite, and manganese

• Challenges: Ghana has severe sanitation and transportation issues.

Ghana Facts

Ghana’s Castles: Points of Departure for

Slaves Destined for the Americas

ALP Partner: Michael Lapsley Foundation

Ghanaian Members of Parliament

Support Library Development

ALP Libraries in Ghana

The Joy of Books Arriving!

Out of the container…

…then delivered by trucks, cars

or motorcycles!

Most ALP libraries are in schools

Schools have basic facilities

Trained teacher-librarians are key to success

ALP Libraries in Ghana

A School’s Proudest Possession…

Their Library

Our readers

Ghana Summit

Ghana Summit

Ghana Summit

Ghana Summit

Ghana Summit

Will you do a book drive so more children in Ghana have access to books?

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