Archives are essential for accountability, national development – Dr. Apaak

The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has reiterated that effective records management is central to strengthening accountability, transparency, and national development in Ghana.

Speaking at the launch of Ghana’s Documentary Heritage National Register in Accra on April 22, 2026, he said the preservation and proper management of national records are not merely administrative functions but a foundation for good governance.

“Effective records management strengthens transparency and good governance. It protects citizens’ rights and supports sound, evidence-based decision-making,” he stated.

The Register, launched under the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme, provides a national framework for identifying, documenting, and safeguarding Ghana’s documentary heritage across institutions, communities, and archives.

Dr. Apaak explained that as Ghana continues to expand its digitisation agenda in public service delivery, there is an urgent need to ensure that both physical and digital records are properly preserved and made accessible.

“As Ghana advances its digitisation agenda in governance and public services, this is the right moment to ensure that both physical and digital records are properly protected, well managed, and accessible,” he said.

He stressed that archives serve a much broader purpose than storage, describing them as a critical pillar of national development.

“Archives are not simply collections of old documents. They are the living memory of our nation, essential for accountability, research, education, creativity, and national development,” he noted.

Dr. Apaak also highlighted persistent challenges in the sector, including deteriorating records, inadequate funding, and environmental threats that continue to endanger historical materials.

“Many records are deteriorating. Resources remain limited. Environmental risks continue to threaten our collections,” he cautioned, calling for innovation and stronger collaboration across government, academia, and private institutions.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to modernising archival systems, improving training for professionals, and investing in digital infrastructure to support institutions such as the Public Records and Archives Administration Department.

“We will ensure that PRAAD and related institutions are well equipped to meet both current demands and future challenges,” he assured.

The Deputy Minister further urged institutions and stakeholders to actively contribute to the success of the initiative by identifying and nominating important historical materials for preservation.

“Nominate important materials. Support digitisation efforts. Participate in training and capacity-building initiatives. This is a shared responsibility,” he said.

He added that the National Register will not only preserve Ghana’s historical identity but also strengthen institutional memory and improve governance systems for future generations.