National Archives of Ghana PRAAD (Public Records and Archives Administration Department)

Overview

The National Archives of Ghana was the national archival institution of Ghana, located in Accra. Originally established under British colonial administration and reorganised under the Archives Ordinance of 1955, it served as the primary repository for government records and historical documents in Ghana until 1997, when it was succeeded by the Public Records and Archives Administration Department (PRAAD). The archive was affiliated with the National Commission on Culture until 1996.

History and Founding

Archival work in Ghana began formally in 1946 with the establishment of an archival department, and J. M. Akita became the first Ghanaian Chief Archivist in 1949. The Archives Ordinance of 1955 and Regulations of 1958 laid the foundation for a professionally organised national archive, enabling the systematic accession, classification, and labelling of non-current records across all regions. A Search Section was established in May 1952, enabling public access to records. A document rehabilitation centre for damaged records was established that same year, and photographic reproduction services were introduced in June 1955. Regional offices were established progressively at Kumasi (August 1959), followed by Koforidua, Cape Coast, Sekondi, Ho, and Tamale. In 1997, the National Archives was restructured and renamed the Public Records and Archives Administration Department (PRAAD), which continues to operate today from the same Accra headquarters at Castle Road.

Collections and Holdings

The archive's holdings encompass government and administrative records dating from the colonial period to independence and beyond, including printed materials, manuscripts, maps, drawings, and photographic collections. The Cape Coast location holds particularly significant collections. Among the archive's internationally recognised holdings are records of the Dutch West India Company, which have been inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World International Register as globally important documentary heritage.

Access and Usage

The successor institution, PRAAD, is accessible at its Accra headquarters at Castle Road, P.O. Box GP 3056, Accra. International researchers require a letter of introduction from the headquarters. The archive is open to both Ghanaian and international researchers for historical, genealogical, and governmental research.