The Parliamentary Select Committee on Information and Communications has undertaken a monitoring tour of agencies under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technology and Innovation, as part of its oversight mandate.
The Committee visited the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), the Ghana Domain Name Registry, and the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission. The agencies briefed the Committee on their operations, challenges, and future plans.
At GIFEC, Administrator Mr. Sofo Tanko Rashid announced that government has released GHS 60 million to advance the Rural Telephony initiative. He disclosed that 461 communication sites remain outstanding due to earlier funding constraints, but construction is expected to resume with the new allocation.
Mr. Tanko further revealed that GIFEC is transitioning from geostationary (GEO) satellite technology to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems, a move he said will significantly enhance connectivity in underserved and remote communities. “This upgrade will enable more rural areas to access reliable voice and data services,” he explained.
On the Cyber Labs project, Mr. Tanko noted that implementation has been delayed to align with the government’s flagship One Million Coders programme. The initiative seeks to train and empower Ghanaian youth with digital skills. He added that plans are underway to procure 10,000 laptops for each training center to support the programme.
He also highlighted GIFEC’s efforts to close the gender digital divide, with targeted ICT training programmes for girls in rural communities.
The Committee commended the agencies for their work and pledged continued support to ensure that Ghana’s digital transformation agenda delivers inclusive benefits across the country.
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