BEDROCK VENTURES CONSTRUCT GHANA’S 1ST ICT PARK

A wholly owned Ghanaian Construction Concern, BEDROCK VENTURES LTD has commenced construction work on a 20 hectare National Information Technology Park project worth 16.5 million Ghana Cedis to serve as a hub for ICT in the country.

The project, the first phase of which has taken off involving a land area of 7, 25 hectares is situated in the Free Zones Enclave in Tema and is being funded by the World Bank's International Development

Association and is scheduled for completion in 15 months.

The Company executing the project, Bedrock Ventures Ltd won the contract through a competitive bidding process and is acknowledged to be one of the efficient and well equipped local construction firms.

The company is reputed to have executed such projects as Ultra-modern hostel facilities for the University of Ghana, Legon, designed to accommodate 1,800 students, Water Projects funded by the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) and a 15 storey block of offices, shops and banks in the Capital.

Managing Director of Bedrock Ventures Ltd (BVL), Courage Dogbegah told The Al-Hajj in an interview that the professional consciousness the company attaches to its projects will be replicated in the execution of this maiden ICT Park project for the country.

He said, “We have the required machinery, consultants and personnel to execute the project to meet the highest international standards and would be delivered within the stipulated time frame.

Mr. Dogbegah intimated that, “the decision to settle on BVL for the execution of the project is a clear demonstration of confidence in an indigenous company” adding that “my company will not disappoint the government and people of Ghana.”

In a separate interview granted the Al-Hajj, Communications Minister, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu noted that the project has taken too long to take off and added that it would contribute substantially to the economic growth of the country.

Citing the success story of India, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu hoped that Ghana's Park will also become a multi-billion project.

He invited the private sector to come on board to develop the land area made available for the project adding that the potential is huge and would contribute to job creation and stimulate technology transfer.

Drawing from the successes of Silicon Valley of the USA, Haruna was hopeful that the ICT Park has the potential of reaching comparable heights.

He encouraged the World Bank to consider injecting additional funds to extend the project beyond the first phase and hinted that funding has been secured for a second ICT Park to be established in Cape Coast.

ICT Parks serve as nerve centres to catapult the development of information technology in a country and transform it into exporter of ICT services.

The move to establish an ICT Park in Ghana dates back to several years. The Al-Hajj's visit to the site proved that the contractor is already on site with its equipment and makeshift office ready to commence work.

The project comprises installation of external lighting, road works, associated walkways and cycle tracks, electrical and telecommunication services and associated service. There will also be several electrical substations and equipment plinths, underground water tanks, underground water hydrants and street lighting.

Air conditioning and CCTV installations with associated ducting and ventilation systems will also be installed in the facility and landscaped with grass and flowering plants.

ICT has become the prime driver of the world and Business Processing Outsourcing has become a major export for countries such as India.

Ghana with its unique geographical location and English Language as its official language can easily become one of the leading providers of BPOs in the world.

“With the discovery of oil and gas in commercial quantities as well as high economic growth rate, the potential for Ghana is huge with the ICT Park”, the minister concluded.

By Rowland Phillips-Addp