GIFEC and Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications strengthen collaboration to boost digital inclusion

The Acting Administrator of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Dr. Tanko Rashid-Computer, has paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey. The meeting, held at the Chamber’s offices in Accra, focused on strengthening collaboration between the two institutions to bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusion across the country. 

During the meeting, Dr. Rashid-Computer stressed the importance of the mandatory 1% revenue contribution from telecommunications companies, which funds GIFEC’s digital inclusion initiatives. He called on the Chamber to support GIFEC in recovering these contributions, noting that they are critical for sustaining projects aimed at providing ICT access to underserved communities. 

“These contributions are crucial for sustaining GIFEC projects, which are aimed at bridging the digital divide,” said Dr. Rashid-Computer. “We need the support of the Chamber to ensure that these funds are collected and utilized effectively to drive Ghana’s digital transformation.” 

Dr. Rashid-Computer also highlighted the need to rebrand GIFEC as a leading government agency in Ghana’s digitalization efforts. He stressed the importance of raising awareness about GIFEC’s role in providing ICT access to underserved communities and ensuring that its impact is widely recognized. 

“We need to rebrand GIFEC as the driving force behind ICT access for underserved communities,” he said. “Our work is critical to achieving Ghana’s digital transformation goals, and we want to ensure that our efforts are visible and impactful.” 

Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, expressed the Chamber’s commitment to supporting GIFEC’s initiatives. He acknowledged the importance of collaboration between the two institutions in driving digital inclusion and bridging the digital divide. 

“We are committed to working with GIFEC to ensure that Ghana’s digital transformation agenda is realized,” said Ashigbey. “By supporting initiatives that provide ICT access to underserved communities, we can create a more inclusive and digitally empowered society.” 

GIFEC has been at the forefront of Ghana’s digital inclusion efforts, implementing projects that provide ICT infrastructure, training, and resources to underserved communities. These initiatives have played a critical role in bridging the digital divide and enabling more Ghanaians to participate in the digital economy. 

The agency’s projects include the establishment of community ICT centers, the provision of digital literacy training, and the deployment of ICT equipment to schools and healthcare facilities. These efforts have had a transformative impact on communities, improving access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. 

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye