The Ghana Library Association (GLA) held its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ho under the theme “Innovating for Impact: Libraries in the Age of AI and Social Technologies”, on Thursday, November 20 and Friday, November 21, 2025. The meeting underscored a strong call for bold innovations, responsible use of Artificial Intelligence and a renewed commitment to the country’s digital future.
Dr. Hawa Osman, the Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee, in her remarks urged participants to embrace new AI-powered tools and digital approaches that make library services more responsive and accessible.
The President of GLA, Mr. Kodjo Antwi Asafo-Adjei, on his part, acknowledged the resource limitations that beset the library service delivery but reminded members that their work remained central to Ghana’s progress in education, digital transformation, youth empowerment and social development and advocated for experience sharing and building of strong professional ties among librarians.
The Vice Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato chaired the two-day programme and admonished librarians to collaborate closely with Information Technology professionals, adopt ethical and responsible AI practices and champion community-based literacy programmes. She shared a personal experience in Canada, where librarians supported students with research navigation, referencing and synthesis skills, reminding participants of the powerful impact librarians could make in the academic space.
The Board Chairman of the GLA, Dr. Michael Ato Essuman, who delivered the keynote address offered a clear and compelling vision for how AI could reshape the future of librarianship. He emphasized the fact that libraries could no longer be defined only by their collections, but by their connections. He said AI is not a threat to librarians but rather a powerful tool that can take on repetitive tasks and free professionals to focus on higher-level responsibilities.
Dr. Essuman also highlighted the growing need for virtual reading clubs, micro-learning sessions and national digital literacy campaigns, in expanding the reach of libraries beyond physical walls. He called on librarians to invest in their own digital skills, experiment with new technologies and lead national conversations on ethical AI and information literacy. “The future of knowledge and the intellectual resilience of Ghana rests on our ability to innovate now.”, he declared.
The Guest Speaker, Dr. Monica Mensah-Danquah, on her part encouraged librarians to continue learning, rising together and contributing meaningfully to the development of Ghana.
The University Librarian of UHAS, Dr. Theresa Adu, entreated colleague librarians to continue working in shaping the minds of future generations for a well-informed population.
The two-day meeting brought together librarians, academics, policymakers and industry leaders.
The 2025 AGM ended with a shared sense of purpose for utilizing Artificial Intelligence, digital tools and new opportunities for the general advancement of library services.
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