By Kodjo Adams
Accra, May 16, GNA – The Ghana News Agency (GNA) has commenced a comprehensive renovation of its Head Office in Accra as part of an ongoing operational restructuring initiative, funded by the African Development Bank.
The renovation forms part of the Post COVID-19 Skills Development and Productivity Enhancement Project (PSDPEP) – a five-year initiative supported by a total grant facility of $31.34 million for five beneficiary institutions, including the GNA.
The other beneficiaries are the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), the Biotechnology Centre, the School of Nursing and Midwifery, and the Microbiology Centre of the University of Ghana.
The funding comprises $28.5 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and $2.8 million from the Government of Ghana.
The rehabilitation works, which began on Monday, May 12, on the executive wing, are scheduled for completion in December 2025.
Similar renovation projects are also ongoing at the Agency’s offices in Tema, Tamale, and Takoradi.
Mr Joseph Baffoe, the Director of Administration at the GNA, said the works followed the successful renovation of the Volta Regional Office in Ho.
The Ho office upgrade was financed through the Agency’s Internally Generated Funds (IGF).
Mr Joseph Baffoe, the Director of Administration, described the exercise as a “major rehabilitation,” following which they aimed to provide modern digital technology and equipment for staff to meet the evolving demands of today’s global news environment.
This will be complemented by the requisite training and a review of the GNA’s establishment law to align with contemporary media practices.
Mr Baffoe expressed optimism that the project would be completed within schedule and provide a befitting working environment for staff to effectively execute the Agency’s mandate of delivering credible news to the public.
Last year, four vehicles were provided under the project, replacing some of the broken down and overaged vehicles the GNA received from the Government in 2007.
The Social Investment Fund is implementing the PSDPEP, which was launched in January 2023, on behalf of the Ministry of Finance.
It aims at contributing to Ghana’s sustainable post-Covid-19 recovery in the health sector and the restoration of livelihoods, income, employment opportunities and private sector development.
It also seeks to promote technical and entrepreneurship for job creation among the youth and women, and improve public health communication, especially, during pandemics.
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