Accra, March 21, GNA – Dr. Sofo Tanko Rashid-Computer, Acting Administrator of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) says there was the need to rebrand the Fund as a leading government agency in Ghana’s digitalisation efforts.
He said this was to ensure that its impact was widely recognized as the driving force behind Information Communication Technology access for underserved communities.
The Administrator said this when he paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, to formally introduce himself and his Acting Deputy Administrator, Mr Abdul-Aziz Mohammed.
The meeting, held at the Chamber’s offices in Accra, focused on strengthening collaboration between the two institutions to drive Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.
During the engagement, the Administrator outlined the government’s vision for GIFEC, emphasizing its transition into a Digital Economy and Innovations Development Fund.
He said some of the Fund’s evolving role was to ensure nationwide digital inclusion, supporting ICT-driven innovations, and facilitating the development of a digitally skilled workforce.
He called on the Chamber to support the Fund to recover the mandatory 1 per cent revenue contribution from telecommunications companies, which supports the agency’s digital inclusion initiatives.
Dr Tanko said these contributions were crucial for sustaining projects such as the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project, Community ICT Centres, and digital literacy programmes aimed at bridging the digital divide.
He said in line with the government’s digitalisation agenda, the President would launch the “One Million Coding Professionals” initiative in April 2025, and the Fund would be a major implementing agency in achieving the initiative.
This programme seeks to equip Ghanaians with in-demand digital skills such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development, positioning Ghana as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
He urged the Chamber to support the initiative, particularly in providing mentorship, funding, and internship opportunities through its member companies.
Dr Ashigbey commended GIFEC’s efforts in advancing digital inclusion and ensuring universal access to ICT infrastructure.
He reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to collaborating with GIFEC, particularly in advocating for timely compliance by telcos in remitting their statutory contributions.
“We recognize the critical role GIFEC plays in Ghana’s digital transformation and the Chamber will continue to engage our members to ensure that all contributions due to the Fund are paid as expected,” he said.
He said they would explore avenues for deeper collaboration in digital skills development and ICT infrastructure expansion.
He expressed the Chamber’s readiness to support GIFEC’s rebranding efforts and pledged to work closely with the agency to amplify its impact in Ghana’s digitalisation drive.
Other members of the delegation for the Fund are Alhaji Yahaya Zakaria Osman, the 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, and Mr. Fredrick Kojo Aidoo, Head of Corporate Affairs.
Also present for the Chamber are Mr. Louis Bobbie Osei, Regulatory and Research Manager, Mr. David Aryeetey, Assistant Communications Manager and Mrs. Alaina Dedry-Amuzu, Administration & Finance Manager.
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