George Padmore Research Library

The George Padmore Research Library on African Affairs was established on June 30, 1961. The idea of a research library was conceived in 1959 immediately after the death of the notable African Affairs advisor to the then president of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. It was to be a monument to the ideals of Pan-Africanism and a memorial to George Padmore. The Ghana Library Authority supervised the construction of the building and after its completion, its administration and development was entrusted to it. The located Fifth Avenue and castle road at Ridge. In other words share wall with Efua Sutherland Park. Opening hours is from 9am – 5pm. Scope And Purpose The aim of the library is to collect materials on Africa. Subject areas covered are Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History and Literature. A greater emphasis is placed on collecting materials on Ghana to build a comprehensive national collection. Sections And Collections The library has two main sections and five special collections. The two main sections are Ghana and Africa. Ghana Collection: This houses the collection of all the books in the former Drama Studio to make way for the present National Theatre. It also houses various types of maps of Ghana, all works and speeches of the late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah including photographs of all activities on Ghana from the colonial era to March 6, 1957 when the nation attained independence. There are other photographs on all past heads of state. There are thesis brought from the government secretariat. There are also bound volumes of all state and private daily papers as well as journals from 1965 up to date. African Collection: One can find materials on all African countries, general and quick reference materials. Special Collection: 1. Materials from former Drama Studio 2. Local language publication