The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Sofo Tanko Rashid Computer, says the government is making significant progress in expanding digital access to underserved communities across the country.
Speaking on Newsroom on Bullet TV with Micheal Addo, the GIFEC CEO outlined a number of projects aimed at improving communication services, expanding internet access and preparing Ghana for future digital technologies.
According to him, one of the government’s biggest achievements has been the expansion of mobile network coverage to rural communities that had never enjoyed reliable telephone services. He said GIFEC connected about 300 communities to telecommunication networks last year and is working to connect another 460 communities this year.
“So many communities that previously had no network can now make phone calls, access the internet and use digital services to improve their businesses and daily lives,” he said.
He explained that improving connectivity is helping people in remote areas participate more actively in the country’s economy by making communication easier for traders, farmers, students and health workers.
Beyond expanding network coverage, Sofo Tanko said GIFEC is also investing in digital education, particularly for young people. He disclosed that the agency has trained about 2,000 girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to equip them with digital skills needed for education and employment.
He added that nearly 2,000 laptop computers have also been distributed to schools across the Volta, Oti and Upper West Regions to support teaching and learning. According to him, government believes that investing in digital skills among young people is critical to Ghana’s future development.
The GIFEC CEO also highlighted efforts to improve access to digital services through Community Information Centres (CICs). He said about 166 centres are currently operating across the country, providing internet access, ICT training and other digital services to local communities.
Responding to concerns that many rural areas still struggle with poor internet services, Sofo Tanko admitted that much work remains to be done. However, he noted that Ghana has thousands of underserved communities and previous governments had connected only about 950 communities before the current administration assumed office.
He said the ongoing expansion programme is therefore a major step toward reducing the country’s digital gap. Existing communication sites are also being upgraded from 3G to 4G technology, which will provide faster internet speeds and better network quality.
According to him, contractors are currently working in all 16 regions to install new communication sites while upgrading existing infrastructure. Some of the newly completed sites have already become operational.
Looking ahead, Sofo Tanko assured Ghanaians that preparations are underway for the rollout of 5G technology. He said the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, together with the National Communications Authority and other agencies, is putting the necessary systems in place before introducing the next generation of mobile technology.
He stressed that although 5G requires careful planning and major investment, the government remains committed to ensuring that Ghana benefits from the latest communication technology.
The GIFEC CEO believes expanding digital infrastructure is essential for national development. He said improved internet access will support education, healthcare, agriculture, business and government services while creating new economic opportunities for people in rural communities.
According to him, the government’s goal is to ensure that no Ghanaian is left behind in the country’s digital transformation, regardless of where they live. He expressed confidence that ongoing investments in communication infrastructure, digital education and technology will help build a stronger and more connected Ghana.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu| ebenezermadugu@gmail.com