The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mr Samuel Nartey George, has announced new plans to improve internet access, especially in rural areas.
He said when Mr Abdulaziz Mohammed, the new Acting Deputy Administrator of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), was introduced to him on Tuesday in Accra.
The Minister emphasised the importance of internet connectivity as a utility, similar to water and electricity, highlighting the success of rural electrification programmes as a model for community-driven development.
“Just as rural electrification can transform a community into a commercially viable hub with various businesses and activities, internet connectivity should have a similar impact,†Mr George said.
He expressed concern about the current challenges facing rural telephony and outlined plans to restructure GIFEC into the Digital Economy and Innovation Development Fund. This new focus will ensure that rural areas benefit from improved internet services.
The key strategies for achieving better connectivity, include collaborating with telecom companies to demonstrate the commercial viability of rural sites, improving infrastructure to support increased traffic and attract businesses and educating communities about digital technologies to enhance demand for services.
The Minister also outlined plans to revamp Community Information Centers (CICs) across the country, transforming them into vibrant digital hubs that provide essential services to rural communities.
“The One Million Coders Programme will train young people in rural communities in coding skills, web development and data forensics, creating a pool of skilled digital professionals,†he added.
Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD
