Rainstorm causes havoc to Northern Regional Library

A severe rainstorm has caused extensive damage to the Northern Regional Library in Tamale, leaving the facility on the brink of closure.

The incident that occurred last Tuesday ripped off portions of the library’s roof, resulting in severe leakages that have compromised the safety of books, furniture and essential equipment.

Following the damage, some materials and devices have already been relocated to prevent further loss while the building remains unsafe for use.

The extent of the destruction has placed the library’s operations in danger, with fears that it could be shut down entirely if emergency repairs are not carried out as a matter of urgency.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Library Authority, Aaron Kuwornu, described the situation as dire.

Massive destruction

He said the disaster had caused massive destruction to the facility, adding that if urgent measures were not put in place to repair the facility, all reading materials would be destroyed in the event of rainfall in the coming days.

“I have informed the Metropolitan Assembly and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and I am hoping that they will come to our rescue.

“Without the library, young people will have nowhere productive to spend their time, and that can lead to rising indiscipline and a drop in academic performance,” he added.

He said, “This place is the heartbeat of Tamale, and its closure will leave a huge gap in the lives of many children and students.”

Mr Kuwornu, therefore, appealed to the government, philanthropists and all well-meaning individuals to come to their aid.

Meanwhile, checks by the Daily Graphic revealed that officials of NADMO were yet to conduct an assessment of the damage.

Writer’s email:mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh