Ghanaian Indigenous Mobile Telecommunications Company, Celtel, has provided a broad range internet connection for the Have Technical Institute in the Afadjato South District of the Volta Region.
The GHC150,000 project would provide free internet for thousands of students, and has a technical component to ensure enhanced coverage overtime.
It was commissioned during the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Institute, and Dr. Prince Kofi Kludjeson, Executive Chair of Celtel Network Ltd, who also established the technical institute, said it was part of a broader project to transform the whole country into a smart city.
He said the project was being rolled out at the University of Health and Allied Sciences and the Ho Technical Institute, and with the Volta Regional Coordinating Council and senior high schools in the region set to benefit.
Dr. Kludjeson said the project would be expanded to include devices, and that each child would be provided with a smart device while internet coverage was extended to homes in the communities.
“This is the base for Ghana’s development. Taking it community by community, school by school, before you realise it is all over,” he said.
Dr. Kludjeson promised to sustain support for the school, and said it was overwhelmed with its products over the decade, many of which returned for the anniversary celebration.
“The goal basically is the child. By the time every child finishes school, he or she must know how to operate computers. I want to bring ICT education closer to the people. I want to empower schools and bring them up for success”.
Mr. James EtornamFlolu, the District Chief Executive of Afadzato South, who commissioned the project, said it aligned with the government’s efforts to transform education in the country.
He urged the school and the community to support the project and sign up for it, and said he would help ensure needed government collaboration.
“I am glad this initiative is being led by one of our own, and with our support, Celtel will go far”.
The 40th Anniversary Celebration was on the theme: “Technical Vocational Education and Training: A Catalyst for Ghana’s Development,” and Dr. Kludjeson was honoured as founder and for his continuous support for the school.
In a speech after receiving the honour, he thanked leaders of the community and the EP Church for supporting his vision for a technical institution.
Dr. Kludjeson is the President of pro-development organisation the Volta Development Forum and assured of efforts to transform TVET education in the Volta Region.
Mr. Enoch Darlyn Akpah, Principal of the technical institute which has a student population of over 1500, shared various challenges with infrastructure, and detailed how a single building was being used as dormitory and classrooms and appealed to the Government for support.
Mr Kennedy Kludjeson, Board Chairman of the School commended its role in the transformation of the area.
An old student, he is the Volta Regional Engineer of the Hydrological Services Department, and assured stakeholders of efforts to advance the school to meet the demand for employable skills in the modern dispensation.
Professor Ben Honyenuga, Vice Chancellor of the Ho Technical University who special guest at the event with recent investments, the path for TVET learners remained clear, and promised continuous collaboration and support from the technical university.
A fundraiser was held to support infrastructure development, and scores of past students present contributed generously.
Political heads and rulers of the various communities in the enclave also supported the school.
GNA
