Mr Solomon Anane, the Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), has disclosed that the Rural Telephony Network Project has been extended to three districts in the region, with contractors currently on site.
He said GIFEC is involved in the provision of rural telephone services and the setting up of cyber laboratories and Community Information Centres (CICs).
He explained that the core mandate of the agency is to manage Community Information Centres, provide ICT training and ensure communities are connected to the national telephone architecture, so they can access social media platforms, the internet and online studies.
According to him, contractors are currently on site in Sekyere Afram Plains at Drobonso, Offinso North at Akumadan and Asante Akyem South at Juaso.
Speaking with the media, Mr. Anane also spoke on the One Million Coders Programme, a 2024 campaign promise by President John Dramani Mahama to train one million youth in various ICT disciplines.
He said the programme, which was launched a few months ago was being effectively operated in seven centres in the Ashanti Region.
He indicated that there are three models under the programme to cater for different categories of learners.
Mr. Anane said they have those who are interested in studying online and another category who want to study online, but do not have access to the internet and do not have laptops, which are supported by the agency.
He explained that under the model, participants register and are provided with powerful computers in a conducive environment to facilitate their learning.
He noted that in the Kwadaso area, there are two centres, one for online support and the other for in-person training while there are centres at Asawase in the Asokore Mampong Municipality, New Edubiase and MansoAdubia, which will be equipped with free internet access.
According to him, for the in-person training, the programme is organised during the last week of every month for five days, after which participants write examinations.
Mr. Anane said the catchment areas include; Kwadaso, Bantama, Subin, Nhyiaeso, Atwima Kwanwoma, Atwima Nwabiagya South and other enclaves.
He disclosed that upon completion, participants are awarded certificates in areas such as CCTV installation, among other courses being offered by GIFEC.
He advised the youth to take advantage of the programme, noting that there are many opportunities in the ICT sector.
Mr. Anane added that GIFEC has plans to expand the initiative despite some challenges, emphasizing that he was appointed to solve problems and would ensure the success of the programmes.
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