GIFEC to launch project to enhance operations

By Morkporkpor Anku, GNA
Accra, May 23, GNA - Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), is to launch a project that would change the face of its operations.

The project would further enhance GIFEC's quest to provide access to electronic communications in furtherance of its unique mandate.

Mr Kwabena Owusu Akyeampong, the Administrator GIFEC, announced this at the opening of its 10th Anniversary celebration in Accra.

The Anniversary, which is being marked on the theme: "10 years of Bridging the Digital Divide in Ghana, GIFEC Experience," commences from Monday, May 23 to Friday, May 27 with activities, including symposiums, lectures, stakeholder engagements, medical outreach, donation and thanksgiving service.

In July 2004, the government set up Ghana Investment Fund for Telecommunications as an agency of the Ministry of Communications to facilitate the provision of universal access to basic telephony by the unserved and underserved communities in the country.

The Electronic Communications Act 775 promulgated in 2008, gave the legal backing to the agency, which started operations in January 2005, changed the agency's name to GIFEC and widened the scope of its mandate.

This include the provision of access to electronic services including ICT, broadcasting, internet, multimedia service and basic telephony, by the unserved and underserved communities in Ghana.

Mr Akyeampong said over the past decade, GIFEC has grown in stature with award winning projects such as the Rural Telephony Project plus several projects that have made their institution one of the best universal service fund on the continent.

Mr Ato Sarpong, Deputy Minister of Communications, commended GIFEC for their effort in making electronic communications accessible to the nation.

He called on the Fund to continue to pursue the agenda of local content to build the capacity of the local people.

He also urged GIFEC to explore more resource avenues of funding its operations to avoid over reliance on the traditional source of funding.

The Deputy Minister said for the next decade, GIFEC should ensure accessibility for all.

He said access to telecommunication services should be affordable with focus on research and impact analysis.

He entreated the Ghana Post to collaborate with GIFEC on its Library connectivity project to enhance its operations.

He said government would continue to support GIFEC and the Information Communication Technology sector to improve on the economy.

GNA