By Stanley Senya
Accra, March 25, GNA – Dr. Sofo Tanko Rashid-Computer, the Acting Administrator of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) has called on Mr. Leo Skarlatos, Chief Executive Officer of AT Ghana.
The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to foster stronger collaboration between GIFEC and AT Ghana in addressing rural connectivity challenges across the country.
The engagement centred on improving telecommunication infrastructure in unserved and underserved communities, enhancing the performance of AT Ghana sites under the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project (GRT&DIP), and exploring innovative ways to drive digital transformation.
During the meeting, the Administrator highlighted the significance of partnerships in accelerating Ghana’s digital inclusion agenda.
A key focus of the discussion was the operational challenges faced by AT Ghana’s sites under the GRT&DIP.
He emphasised that GIFEC, through its various projects, had been working to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of location, had access to affordable and reliable telecommunications services.
However, he noted that achieving this goal required the active participation of key industry stakeholders like AT Ghana.
The Administrator called for stronger technical and infrastructural support from AT Ghana to enhance the efficiency of the sites, ensuring seamless connectivity for the thousands of people who rely on them for communication and digital services.
He stressed the need for periodic assessments and collaborative interventions to optimize service delivery in rural areas.
Dr. Tanko Rashid-Computer reiterated the importance of sustained financial support from telecommunications companies towards GIFEC’s mandate.
He urged AT Ghana to redeem its statutory 1 per cent contribution to the Fund, which was crucial for sustaining initiatives that expand digital access.
These contributions, he noted, enabled GIFEC to deploy critical infrastructure, provided ICT training, and rolled out digital skills programmes that empowered individuals and businesses in remote areas.
The Administrator briefed the AT Ghana CEO on the proposed amendment to the Communications Act, which established GIFEC, aligning with the President’s vision to transform the Fund into a Digital Economy and Innovation Development Fund.
This new framework will position GIFEC as a key enabler of Ghana’s digital economy by providing financial support for innovative technology-driven projects, equipping millennials and Gen-Zs with entrepreneurial skills, and fostering economic growth through digital innovation.
Mr. Skarlatos expressed his company’s unwavering commitment to supporting GIFEC’s mission.
He acknowledged the challenges facing the telecommunications industry but reaffirmed AT Ghana’s dedication to fulfilling its obligations, including redeeming its contributions to GIFEC.
He pledged AT Ghana’s support in implementing innovative solutions to enhance rural connectivity, such as deploying alternative power solutions for remote cell sites, leveraging emerging technologies to optimize network performance, and exploring new financing models for sustainable infrastructure development.
Recognizing the need for continuous engagement, both parties agreed to hold further meetings to deepen collaboration and refine strategies for achieving shared goals.
Mr. Skarlatos assured GIFEC of their willingness to partner on future projects that aligned with Ghana’s digital transformation agenda, including potential initiatives that would expand broadband penetration, improve mobile network coverage, and facilitate ICT capacity-building programmes in rural areas.
GIFEC delegation at the meeting included the Acting Abdul-Aziz Mohammed, Deputy Administrator, Alhaji Yahaya Zakaria Osman, Director of Operations and Ag. Director of Administration & HR, Mr. Henry Agyeman Boateng, the Director of Finance, Ms. Ruth Ayiintimii Azantilow, Senior Manager and PA to the Administrator, Mr. Fredrick Kojo Aidoo, Head of Corporate Affairs and Mr. Vincent Owusu Amponsah.
Present for AT Ghana included Mr. Emmanuel Owusu, the Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Chief Legal & Regulatory Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Adjei and Benjamin Bagyio Adu, Head of Communications and Media Engagement.
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