The Parliamentary Select Committee on Information and Communications has conducted a monitoring tour of several key agencies operating under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technology and Innovation. As part of its oversight duties, the committee visited the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), the Ghana Domain Name Registry, and the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission. During the visit, the agencies provided the Committee with comprehensive updates on their operational activities, detailed the challenges they face, and offered recommendations for future action.
A major disclosure came from Mr. Sofo Tanko Rashid, the Administrator of GIFEC, who announced that the government has released GHS 60 million to ensure the continuation of projects under the Rural Telephony initiative. Mr. Tanko explained that 461 communication sites were previously left unconstructed due to funding constraints. With the new release of capital, construction activities are expected to resume shortly, aimed at expanding connectivity to underserved communities. He also highlighted GIFEC’s strategic shift from what he termed the outdated geostationary (GEO) satellite technology to the more advanced Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology. This technological upgrade is intended to significantly enhance connectivity in remote areas, providing better voice and data services to a greater number of rural Ghanaians.
Regarding the Cyber Labs project, Mr. Tanko revealed that its implementation has been temporarily delayed to better align with the government’s flagship “One Million Coders” initiative. The distribution of computers meant to establish Cyber Labs in Senior High Schools (SHS) and Junior High Schools (JHS) has been put on hold to streamline efforts with the broader national coding program. Mr. Tanko emphasized that GIFEC’s activities are being harmonized with the “One Million Coders” programme to train and empower the youth with essential digital skills. He further stated that GIFEC is developing plans to support the Ministry in procuring 10,000 laptops for each training center under the initiative, and is simultaneously working to bridge the gender digital divide through targeted ICT training programs specifically for girls in rural areas.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
