In an exclusive interview on the GTV Breakfast Show, Dr. Sofo Tanko Rashid, Acting CEO of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), outlined the organization’s plans to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural Ghana. Dr. Rashid emphasized the importance of increasing digital knowledge in rural communities, where technology is often limited to basic phone calls.
To address this gap, GIFEC is establishing Community Information Centres (CICs) to teach simple IT skills to rural populations. These centres aim to empower individuals to use their devices beyond basic functions. Dr. Rashid acknowledged that many rural communities are unaware of the digital opportunities available to them, and GIFEC is working to change this.
In response to concerns about poor network coverage, Dr. Rashid assured that GIFEC is committed to addressing these challenges. The organization is working to provide reliable network access through a dedicated fund, with telecommunication providers collaborating to expand infrastructure in underserved areas.
Dr. Rashid also highlighted the potential of digitalization to overcome Ghana’s development challenges. To reduce unemployment, GIFEC plans to engage one million Ghanaian youth in operating and managing the CICs, creating new job opportunities while enhancing digital literacy in rural communities.
GBC/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
