Cape Coast Mayor Unveils Plans to Revive Atta Mills Presidential Library
Cape Coast Mayor George Justice Arthur has announced a comprehensive plan to restore the long-abandoned Atta Mills Presidential Library, aiming to bring the deteriorating facility back to life through a partnership with the Ghana Library Authority and the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly.
Originally commissioned in 2016 to serve as a hub for research, education, and tourism, the library has been left idle and has fallen into disrepair. Mayor Arthur highlighted its potential as a vital national asset and part of a larger strategy to reclaim Cape Coast’s legacy as a center of academic excellence.
“Cape Coast has historically stood for quality education,” Arthur stated, while acknowledging recent declines in academic performance. He called for unified efforts from community leaders, the media, and citizens to rebuild the city’s educational stature and drive socio-economic development.
As part of his broader development agenda, the mayor revealed plans to collaborate with Cape Coast’s two Members of Parliament to launch scholarship initiatives aimed at supporting high-performing students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Addressing sanitation, Arthur introduced a new door-to-door waste collection system and an incentive-based program to promote cleaner communities. To combat illegal dumping, he proposed engaging private partners to develop a modern landfill and setting up a dedicated sanitation court to enforce waste regulations more effectively.
These initiatives are particularly meaningful given Cape Coast’s historic role in education. The Atta Mills Library—named after the late president and law professor who once taught at the local university—stands as both a symbol of the city’s rich intellectual legacy and a reminder of its current infrastructural challenges.
Revitalizing the library would not only preserve a cultural landmark but also serve as a catalyst for broader urban renewal. Mayor Arthur’s vision signals a renewed commitment to coordinated action in education, urban planning, and civic responsibility to shape a better future for Cape Coast.
