The increasing economic strength of many countries in Asia and Latin America, not to mention the recent political changes in Eastern Europe, have led to some redefinition of the category of “developing countries”: these countries no longer form a homogenous group (if they ever did) and the label is no longer so convenient. However, it is still the case that the countries of Africa tend to lag behind in the development of library systems and services.

Recognising this, many governmental and non-governmental organisations - both national and international - which work in the library and information field are continuing to make a special effort in favour of Africa.

The potential of private papers as primary sources for research cannot be overemphasised. Unlike other archives, private papers can give researchers closer contact with their subjects since such papers frequently reflect natural human prejudices and emotions.

The National Archives of Ghana (NAG), in accordance with article 5 of the Public Archives Ordinance No. 35 of 1955 in realising the immense value of private papers instituted a special programme in 1961 to systematically acquire and process papers relating to the Ghanaian president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah from all over the world. This laudable effort succeeded in enriching the stock of the Archives with Nkrumah's papers acquired from both the USA and Britain. In addition to papers there are his books and other documentary materials, which constitute his entire personal library during the period of his studies abroad.