The Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) under the leadership of Mr. Sofo Tanko Rashid-Computer, has marked one year of measurable progress in its mandate to bridge the digital divide and expand access to electronic communications in underserved and unserved communities across Ghana.

Some of the key achievements during the period are highlighted below;

Rural Telephony Projects: Expanding Coverage Nationwide

As part of efforts to strengthen rural connectivity, GIFEC undertook a comprehensive status update of 1,542 existing Rural Telephony Project (RTP) sites to assess the condition of infrastructure and the quality of service delivery.

In addition, technical site surveys were conducted in 371 communities to determine suitability for new deployments.

Network simulations for these surveyed communities are currently ongoing to guide the rollout of new telecommunication sites.

Mast erection has commenced in selected communities, with land acquisition exercises underway in 55 communities in the Volta Region to facilitate further deployments.

More communities are being earmarked for technical site surveys for possible inclusion under the Rural Telephony Project, reinforcing GIFEC’s commitment to extending mobile coverage to underserved and unserved communities.

Girls in ICT: Investing in the Next Generation:

In collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, GIFEC successfully organised the National Girls in ICT Day Climax Celebration at the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho. At the event, 1,000 girls received hands-on ICT training, with over 100 participants awarded laptops, certificates, and cash prizes. A similar large-scale ICT training programme was organised in the Upper West Region, where another 1,000 girls were trained and awarded laptops, certificates, and cash prizes. These interventions aim to encourage girls to pursue careers in ICT and reduce the gender gap in digital skills and technology access.

Women Empowerment Through Digital Skills:

Women have remained central to GIFEC’s digital inclusion agenda. In Tamale, GIFEC launched a two-week ICT Training of Trainers programme for 30 women in ICT, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union and Cisco.

Beyond this, GIFEC extended free digital skills training to female small business owners across Jasikan, Nkwanta South, and Krachi West in the Oti Region. These programmes are designed to equip women with practical digital skills to improve productivity, market access, and business sustainability.

Institutional Support and Schools Connectivity:

Within the year under review, GIFEC provided connectivity support to several public institutions, including the Narcotics Control Commission, Ghana Army Recruit Training Centre, National Road Safety Authority, National Sports Authority, National Hajj Board, and the Students Loan Trust Fund, among others.

Additionally, a number of basic and secondary schools across the country were connected under GIFEC’s Schools Connectivity Project, improving access to digital learning resources and online educational tools.

Awards and Recognition
GIFEC’s one-year performance has received both local and international recognition. The Fund has been honoured with awards including:

Top Leader Recognition
Championing Inclusive Digital Transformation – Fund of the Year

Top Transformational Leaders Recognition
Sustaining the Momentum
The year has started with significant activities at GIFEC, marked by the rollout of key initiatives, with key focus on scaling rural connectivity, strengthening digital inclusion for women and girls, and ensuring that investments in ICT infrastructure translate into improved livelihoods, access to services, and inclusive digital participation nationwide.

Source: Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC)

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