Republic of Ghana

Public Records and Archives Administration Department

PRAAD

Slave Trade Archives Project

STATEMENT

 The establishment of PRAAD by legislative Instrument No. 1628 , 1996 and the definition of its functions by Act 535 of 1997 represents a new approach in Ghana of managing government records holistically and as a strategic resource.

This was made possible by the introduction of the Records Management Improvement Programme, (RMIP) (1992-1999) as part of the Civil Service Reform Programme to enhance the management of records and ensure management accountability and transparency for good governance.  The programme was supported by the UK Department for International Development and the World Bank, with excellent consultancy input by the International Records Management Trust, London.

 There have been positive results from the RMIP with marked information storage and retrieval and elimination of delays in despatch of business in Ministries that have been restructured.

 There has also been remarkable improvements in the departments ability to preserve and conserve the valuable records in its custody as a result of the Danish Government assistance through DANIDA in the provision of central air-conditioning in the repositories and other specialised conservation and microfilm equipment.

 These developments have also produced a staff well trained and competent with a greater sense of commitment and dedication thereby raising the image of the department, and making it able to contribute to Ghana's socio-economic development by preserving the collective memory of the nation and the Government of Ghana as well as supporting the protection of rights and the enhancement of our national identity.

 I and my staff are today very excited that the department has been adopted by the Slave Trade Archives Project of UNESCO with support from NORAD, the Norwagian Agency for Development Cooperation and executed by the International Council on Archives (ICA).

 This has enabled PRAAD to become a member of the Global Village, and therefore, part of the "Steam Roller of technology" when it rolls over us and not "part of the road".

 The project will also enhance the provision of access to the holdings of the department and thereby expose us to the international community as never before.

 It is with deep sense of satisfaction and pleasure to have shared the experience and expertise of colleagues from other African countries in the Slave Trade Archives Project Seminar of 11 - 15 June 2001 which has resulted in the connection of PRAAD to the Internet.

 In this connection, special mention must be made of the Secretary General of ICA, Mr. Joan Van Albada, the Director.of the Seminar, Dr. Michael Cook and the I.T. consultant, Mr. Ahmed A. Bachr whose tireless efforts have culminated in our present status as proud members of the Global Village.