By Stanley Senya
Accra, Mar. 3, GNA- The Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH) has appointed Mr Richard Kafui Amanfu as its new Executive Director.
This significant leadership change follows the successful tenure of David Gowu, who served as co-founder and first Executive Director for eight years.
A statement issued in Accra said Mr Amanfu, with his extensive experience and dedication to ICT development, was poised to lead IIPGH into a new era of innovation and growth.
Mr Amanfu is a seasoned technology consultant with over 16 years of experience in the ICT and telecommunications industry.
His career spans various technical and management positions within the West African market, showcasing his versatility and expertise in the field.
He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and a Bachelor of Arts in Information Studies from the University of Ghana.
His academic background has provided him with a solid foundation in both management and information technology.
Mr Amanfu’s education had equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complex landscape of ICT and drive meaningful change.
The statement said his journey with IIPGH had been marked by numerous achievements and impactful initiatives since 2017 when he joined some of the founding members to set up the organization.
His contributions have been instrumental in advancing the Institute’s mission of promoting ICT education and professional development across Ghana.
It said one of Amanfu’s notable achievements was his role in mobilizing ICT professionals nationwide.
He has successfully fostered a vibrant community of over 2,500 experts dedicated to driving Ghana’s digital transformation.
It said the network had been crucial in sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities among ICT professionals.
“By creating a platform for collaboration and networking, Richard has ensured that ICT professionals in Ghana are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the digital age,” it added.
It said as the Director of Operations, he played an active role in the launch of several capacity-building programmes aimed at equipping professionals, students, and businesses with essential ICT skills.
These programmes such as the Cyber Security Awareness Initiative, the IIPGH Internship Programme, the Persons with Disability Initiative, and several others, had addressed the digital skills gap in Ghana, empowering individuals to thrive in the digital economy.
The statement said Amanfu’s commitment to continuous professional development had ensured that IIPGH remained a leader in ICT education.
His efforts have included organizing workshops, seminars, and training sessions that cover a wide range of topics, from basic digital literacy to advanced technical skills.
Mr. Amanfu had been a strong advocate for using the media to educate the public on the importance of ICT for development.
His efforts have led to increased awareness and understanding of ICT’s role in national development.
It said through various media publications, Richard had helped highlight the transformative power of ICT and its potential to drive economic growth.
His articles and opinion pieces have been featured in prominent publications, where he discusses the latest trends in technology and their implications for Ghana’s development.
Under his leadership, over 350 articles on Technology have been published in the prestigious Business and Financial Times (B&FT) newspaper since November 2017.
It said one of most impactful initiatives that Amanfu supported to implement was the implementation of coding programs for kids, teenagers, and adults.
These programmes have introduced over 10,000 young Ghanaians to the world of coding, equipping them with valuable digital skills.
Mr Amanfu’s vision for these initiatives was to prepare the next generation for future opportunities in the tech industry.
“By fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, Richard has inspired many young minds to pursue careers in technology,” it said.
The statement said in partnership with the AFOS Foundation, Kafui helped establish the Industry-Academia Tech Dialogue (INDAC-TED) platform.
This initiative brings together lecturers, students, and industry professionals to enhance ICT education and development.
The platform has fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Since 2021, Amanfu facilitated the organization of INDUC-TED in several tertiary institutions that brings industry leaders and academia to discuss curriculum development, research opportunities, and industry trends, ensuring that ICT education in Ghana remains relevant and up-to-date.
He was instrumental in organizing the Tech Job Fair, a platform that connects job seekers with employers in the tech industry.
This event which started in 2021 has been a significant success, helping many young professionals find employment opportunities and contributing to the growth of the tech sector in Ghana.
It said the Tech Job Fair had become an annual event, attracting top companies and talented job seekers from across the country and Amanfu’s efforts have ensured that the fair provides a valuable platform for networking and career development.
He also led the Digital Literacy Initiative, which introduced coding clubs in schools and trained teachers to sustain these programs.
This initiative has had a profound impact on digital education in Ghana, empowering both students and educators.
DLI has set a precedent for integrating technology into education, fostering innovation and critical thinking among young learners.
By providing resources and support to schools, Richard has helped to create a sustainable model for digital literacy education.
Before his current role, Amanfu served as the Director of Operations at IIPGH, where he was responsible for strategic and technical operations, service delivery, and growth strategy implementation.
He has also held positions such as Director of Learning and Development at IIPGH, Quality Assurance and Technology Operations at Edulamp GHANA, Project Delivery Consultant for Gartner Inc, and Business & Entrepreneurship Start-up Coach at Afrolynk-GIZ/WIDU.
Mr Amanfu’s extensive experience includes roles at renowned organizations like Ericsson, where he worked as a Field Operations Manager and Service Delivery Engineer, and Internet Ghana Limited, where he managed network operations and client services.
His diverse professional background has given him a deep understanding of the ICT industry and the challenges it faces.
Mr Amanfu is a founding member of the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH), a Fellow of the Ghana School on Internet Governance and the West Africa School on Internet Governance.
He is also a Senior Professional Member of the Institute of Information Management (IIM) Africa and a member of the Internet Society (ISOC), Ghana Chapter.
These honours and affiliations reflect Richard’s commitment to excellence and his contributions to the field of ICT.
Publications and Advocacy
Richard is a prolific writer and advocate for technology education. His publications cover a range of topics, including digital skills promotion, digital education, cybersecurity awareness, and the future of work. His work has been instrumental in
shaping public discourse on ICT and its role in sustainable development. Richard’s articles and research papers have been widely read and cited, making him a respected voice in the ICT community.
Vision for the Future
Mr Amanfu was committed to building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor.
He envisioned a future where IIPGH continues to be at the forefront of ICT innovation and education in Ghana as it expands its reach through the introduction of new programmes and strengthen partnerships with local and international stakeholders.
His vision includes leveraging emerging technologies to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Ghanaians.
The statement said Amanfu’s dedication, vision, and leadership will undoubtedly steer IIPGH towards new heights, ensuring that the Institute remains a key player in Ghana’s digital transformation journey.
This year, IIPGH celebrates its 8th anniversary under the theme: Transforming lives through ICT: 8 years of impact and inspiration.
GNA