The Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE) has trained 50,000 personnel in the last two decades, as part of efforts to push the country’s digitalisation drive.
These individuals received training in Cyber Security, Data Analytics and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) among others, which were tailor-made for the country’s development goals.
This was disclosed at the unveiling of GI-KACE’s new logo, marking its 20th anniversary celebrations and projection of the future ahead.
The anniversary was celebrated under the theme: “Building a Digital Legacy: Celebrating 20 Years of IT Training Excellence,” held in Accra, last week.
Ama Pomaa Boateng, Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, in an address congratulated the Centre for the strides to contribute to Human development of the country.
“The sector minister, who has over the years overseen the running of the Centre, I must say that I am proud of how GI-KACE has turned out through the decades. As we reflect on the impact of the ICT Training Centre, it is impossible to overlook its profound contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she said.
According to her, the ICT Training Centre’s dedication to several of these goals, with a particular emphasis on inclusivity, specifically for persons living with disabilities and support for women is very commendable.
The deputy minister said GI-KACE has been a catalyst for transformative learning experiences, ensuring that youth, including those with disabilities, have access to high-quality ICT education, which is in line with SDG 4 – Quality Education.
Similarly, the ICT Centre has managed to incorporate other goals such as SDGs 5, 8 and 10 – which are Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth and Reduced Inequalities respectively.
“By breaking down barriers and creating an inclusive learning environment, GI-KACE empowers individuals to reach their full potential, regardless of physical abilities,” she added.
On the new logo, she said it is a representation of the Centre’s vision, commitment to innovation and its dedication to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through strategic partnerships.
Furthermore, the predominant use of the colour blue in the logo symbolises confidence, loyalty and trustworthiness in GI-KACE service delivery.
Madam Pomaaa Boateng added that the interlinked dot featured in the logo, depicts a powerful visual representation of the centre’s commitment to digital transformation and seamless connectivity, saying “the interlinked dot also serves as a powerful reminder of the centre’s dedication to inclusivity, connectivity and digital transformation.”
Dr Collins Yeboah-Afari, Director-General for GI-KACE said the Centre was able to train these number of people, because over the past two decades it has played a pivotal role in shaping the ICT landscape of the country, particularly the government’s digitalization agenda.
GI-KACE had also served as an innovation hub, providing a platform for budding entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts and aspiring IT professionals to explore their potential and bring their ideas to life.
He said the Centre is dedicated to research and training and had been instrumental in empowering individuals from all walks of life to acquire the digital skills necessary to thrive in today’s interconnected world.
Dr Yeboah-Afari indicated that because of a strong multi-disciplinary team, the Centre has spread its tentacles from Accra to Sunyani and Bolgatanga, to afford more people the opportunity to receive career training.
“Here at GI-KACE, we coordinate and oversee an ICT system that produces globally competitive Research and Innovation through quality-oriented and demand-driven learning for national development.”
