A Presidential library and legacy centre dedicated to preserving the public service record and leadership legacy of President John Dramani Mahama is set to be launched in Tamale on November 30.
The proposed John Dramani Mahama Presidential Library and Legacy Centre (JDM-PLLC), being spearheaded by the AfCFTA Young Entrepreneurs Federation (AfYEF), is intended to serve as an independent, non-partisan educational, historical and cultural institution.
It will preserve the President’s leadership legacy, ideas and public service contributions, alongside those of other notable Ghanaian and African leaders, while providing a platform for students, researchers and future generations to study governance, democracy and national development, irrespective of political affiliation or changes in government.
Proposed facilities
The centre is expected to comprise a Presidential Library and Archives, a Historical Research and Knowledge Centre, a Leadership and Civic Education Centre, conference and public dialogue facilities, and a Museum and Cultural Heritage Centre highlighting the history of northern Ghana.
Other proposed facilities include a Digital and Virtual Learning Centre and a Youth Skills and Enterprise Development Centre offering mentorship and entrepreneurship support.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Founder and Continental President of AfYEF, Hissan Siita Sofo, said the project would be implemented in phases, with the first phase covering Tamale, Busunu, Bole and Damongo.
He said about 50 acres of land had been identified for the project in various locations, adding that the original vision was to establish a main facility in the Savannah Region, supported by smaller libraries in each of the five northern regions.
In the Savannah Region, Busunu, Damongo and Bole have been earmarked for different components because of their historical connections to President Mahama.
Busunu is the hometown of his mother, Damongo is his birthplace, while Bole is where his political career began.
Mr Sofo said both Tamale and Damongo had expressed interest in hosting the main facility, but the final location was yet to be determined.
Partnerships and sustainability
Mr Sofo said AfYEF had signed memoranda of understanding with the Ghana Library Authority, the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment and the National Commission on Culture to support the project.
He said the partnership with the Ghana Library Authority was expected to provide technical and professional support, with the proposed centre potentially serving as a model for similar libraries honouring former presidents.
To support its long-term operations, the project is expected to incorporate revenue-generating facilities, including hotels and conference centres, as well as youth skills training facilities.
Mr Sofo said the model would help reduce reliance on donations and create employment opportunities.
Tourism and regional development
A key component of the vision is the proposed Northern Trade and Tourism Corridor (NTTC), an integrated route intended to connect major economic and cultural attractions across the five northern regions and extend to Kintampo in the Bono East Region.
Mr Sofo said the initiative would encourage visitors to spend more time in northern Ghana, creating opportunities for businesses and local communities.
He added that AfYEF also intends to promote selected natural and cultural attractions for possible international recognition, including consideration for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Established in June 2021, AfYEF describes itself as a pan-African, youth-led organisation operating within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
It says it has a presence in more than 30 African countries and has supported over 15,000 small and medium-sized enterprises.
