Information Minister Launches ICT Capacity Development Centre

Information Minister, Hon Asamoah-Boateng cuts the tape to declare the Centre launched 

The Minister for Information and National Orientation, Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng today launched a 45,000 Euros Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capacity Development Centre in Accra. The Centre will be used to 'provide an opportunity for call government employees regardless of their academic or professional qualifications their socio-economic status or geographical locations in the country'.

Hon Asamoah-Boateng said a time will come sooner than later whereby if one has no ICT knowledge, one can not face any interview panel for job. 'ICT is necessary for accelerated development of every country,' he stressed.

He has observed that the rate at which technology is changing, if Ghanaians do not position themselves well for its benefit they will be overtaken by event and hence the establishment of the centre.

Hon. Asamoah Boateng hopes all employees of Ministries Department and Agencies (MDAs) this will be given the opportunity to train at the centre will approach the course with a sense of urgency and purposeful.

He asked that the facility would be maintain for the benefit of future generations and advised all to visit government official portal which is www. ghana.gov.gh for their official information about the country.

The Ministry of Information training centre which was being facilitated by the Mission of the International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD) is expected to train civil and public servants in the use of ICT as a strategic tool for sustainable development and poverty alleviation as well as technical assistance to MDAs.         

The Chief Director of the Ministry of National Security Mr. A. A. Ampong said ICT is crucial for transformation of the country's economy, adding that the establishment of the centre will give an opportunity to the civil servants to effectively enhance their productivity.

 In his remark,  The Acting Chief  Director of Information Service Department (ISD),  Mr Samuel  Amankwah, said the facility  which is the first of its kind in the Department  will boost  work of personnel  in the service. He entreated civil servants not to relent in upgrading their knowledge in the area of ICT education.   

The Country Manager of the International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD), Mr.  Olaf  Erz  indicated  that ICT  for development is most evident in the areas of education, health and agricultural sector. He said the centre is expected to train the needed skilled-based workforce which is a critical input to the development of MDAs.

Mr Erz said the IICD will assist government ministries with developing an ICT policy and strategy for sectors such as the Ministry of Communication, Health and Food and Agriculture.

 He stressed that his organization has being assisting ministry of information since 2003 and will continue to monitor and evaluate to ensure that programmes at the centre is modified.