The outreach will be delivered through mini flyers, posters, social media promotions, and community radio interactions. These communication channels ensure that residents in each community are reached and encouraged to take part in the free digital training sessions at their nearest Community ICT Centre.

Women Entrepreneurs: Women who run small or growing businesses are encouraged to join free digital training sessions at their local Community ICT Centre. The training will help them discover simple but effective digital tools that make business easier and more profitable. They will learn how to market products online, use mobile money and digital payments, manage business operations digitally, and reach new customers.

Youth and Job Seekers: Young people who are out of school or looking for employment will gain hands-on skills that improve their chances of finding work or starting small online ventures. Participants will learn how to prepare CVs, apply for jobs online, explore basic coding and design tools, and even begin freelancing.

Basic and Secondary School Students: Junior High and Senior High students will enjoy fun, engaging, and practical digital learning sessions created to spark interest in technology. They will learn how to use MS Office, search online safely and responsibly, and write simple code for apps and websites.

Churches and Mosques: Faith-based organisations in the Northern Region are invited to encourage their members to join the training. Participants will be introduced to smartphone usage, online communication, digital marketing, and access to e-government and financial services.

How to Register:

Residents can register by visiting their nearest Community ICT Centre or calling 0257963098 or 0244519236.

Morning and afternoon sessions are available, and participation is completely free.

Supported by the International Telecommunication Union and the Government of Norway.

Speaking at the presentation, the acting Administrator touched on plans for a potential collaboration between GIFEC and the Students Loan Trust Fund which he believes will be a strategic move for the benefit of both agencies.

He stressed GIFEC’s readiness to provide support for the students Loan Trust Fund and other government agencies to help bridge the digital divide.

He further elaborated on how plans are far advanced to increase the mandate of GIFEC with a new bill to be passed by Parliament. “Expanding the scope of GIFEC will help put it in a better position to provide more support for the Students Loan Trust Fund and other agencies to help improve the digital economy”, He said.

Receiving the desktop computers on behalf of the students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), Dr. Saajida Shiraz, acting Chief Executive Officer, expressed gratitude to the Administrator and the Management of GIFEC for the kind gesture and support. She added that the computers would help in the administration of its work and enhance their performance.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of a two-week digital skills training programme for 30 women at the Sagnarigu Community Information Centre in the Northern Region, Hon. Abdul-Aziz expressed appreciation to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for fully funding the training programme. He also acknowledged the support of implementing partners, HP, Cisco, and NORAD for their continued contribution to Ghana’s digital development agenda.

“We are extremely grateful to the ITU for funding this impactful initiative and to all our partners for their unwavering support. This programme is not just about ICT training, it is about building a digitally empowered society, starting with women educators who can train and inspire the next generation,” he said.

Hon. Abdul-Aziz Mohammed announced GIFEC’s plans to scale up its monitoring of ongoing projects, with a renewed focus on revamping several Community Information Centres across the country. He added that the Northern Innovation Centre, located in Tamale, will serve as the official launchpad for the One Million Coders programme. In addition, existing Community Information Centres (CICs) will be renovated and equipped to serve as supporting training centres, bringing digital literacy and coding skills closer to local communities.

“These centres would play a pivotal role in helping Ghana meet its digital skills development goals by ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of location, has access to relevant ICT infrastructure and training,” Hon. Abdul-Aziz added.

He also advised the participants to make the most of the laptops that had been presented to them. “These laptops are not just gifts; they are tools of transformation. Use them well, protect them, and put them to work in ways that impact your schools and your communities,” Hon. Abdul-Aziz advised.

The Director of Operations, Alhaji Yahaya Zakaria Osman, congratulated the participants and encouraged them to apply what they had learned to benefit their students, fellow teachers, and wider communities, adding that knowledge is only powerful when it is shared. “You now have the responsibility to extend this knowledge beyond yourselves. Use it to make an impact in your classrooms, in your circles, and in your communities,” he advised.

The Director of Corporate Affairs at GIFEC, Ms. Francisca M. Adjei, delivering her remarks challenged the participants to return to their schools not just as teachers, but as changemakers. She advised them to make use of the tools they have received to start something in their schools by being that woman who dares to lead.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Madam Ojo Emelia Habiba expressed deep gratitude to GIFEC and its partners for the opportunity. She highlighted how the training had empowered them with both knowledge and confidence to make meaningful change.

“This training has truly been a life-changing experience for all of us. We are grateful for the investment made in us, and we pledge to use these skills to train our students, mentor other teachers, and contribute to digital inclusion efforts in our schools and communities,” she said.

The training programme, which targeted 30 women teachers from the Northern, Savannah, and North East Regions, was designed to equip them with practical digital literacy and basic ICT skills. Participants are expected to serve as peer trainers and facilitators in their schools and communities, creating a ripple effect of knowledge sharing and digital empowerment.

All 30 participants were presented with certificates of participation, laptops, and souvenirs to support their roles as peer ICT trainers. The gesture not only marked the end of the training but also the beginning of a new chapter in their professional and personal development journeys.

The two-week programme forms part of GIFEC’s broader efforts to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive development through capacity building, especially among women and youth in marginalised communities. The training programme is geared towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 which seeks to address gender equality and empower women through digital skills development.

The beneficiary institutions are the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), the Ghana Hajj Task Force, the National Sports Authority (NSA), the Post and Courier Services Regulatory Commission (PCSRC), and the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP).

Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Rashid-Computer reaffirmed GIFEC’s commitment to supporting public institutions to become more efficient, responsive, and digitally empowered. He stated that the donation to the DVLA is particularly aligned with the government’s new flagship initiative, the 24-hour economy. He explained that the laptops would enable the Authority to set up satellite offices across the country, making their services more accessible to the public beyond the traditional working hours.

“The flagship programme of His Excellency the President is the 24-hour economy, and one of the institutions at the forefront is the DVLA. They need this equipment to set up satellite offices across the country to facilitate the implementation of the 24-hour economy,” he said.

He added that this support will enable the DVLA to operate around the clock, ensuring that citizens have continuous access to licensing and vehicular services, especially in remote and underserved areas.

In the case of MUSIGA, He explained that the laptops would be used to support the setting up of their administrative office and aid in their participation of Government flagship programme dubbed “One Million Coders” Program through the creation of a theme song.

For the Ghana Hajj Task Force, the Administrator of GIFEC stated that the equipment will facilitate their operations, particularly in the processing and coordination of Hajj pilgrims.

“The National Road Safety Authority is expected to use the laptops to enhance its operations and support the establishment of regional offices aimed at ensuring road safety compliance across the country”, Mr. Rahid Computer said.

He further noted that the support to the Post and Courier Services Regulatory Commission will help advance their digitalisation efforts, while the National Sports Authority and the Ghana School Feeding Programme will use their equipment to enhance their administrative and technical activities in the sports and education sectors respectively.

In total, 120 laptop computers and eight projectors were presented to the institutions. The DVLA, MUSIGA, NRSA, and the PSCRC each received 20 Lenovo laptop computers to aid their digital operations. The National Sports Authority was provided with 10 HP laptop computers and 5 projectors, while the Ghana Hajj Task Force received 10 Lenovo laptops. The Ghana School Feeding Programme also benefited from 20 Lenovo laptops and 3 projectors.

The event was graced by several representatives from the beneficiary institutions. These included Mr. Abraham Amaliba, Acting Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority; Hon. Shaibu Mahama, Legal Counsel to the Ghana Hajj Task Force and Member of Parliament for Daboya/Mankarigu; Mr. Leonard Odoom, Deputy Director of Administration at the DVLA; Mr. Cosmas Anpengnuo, Acting Executive Secretary of the Post and Courier Services Regulatory Commission; and Ms. Veronica Commey, Deputy Director-General (Technical) of the National Sports Authority.

Also present at the ceremony were members of GIFEC’s senior management team, including Alhaji Yahaya Zakaria Osman, Director of Operations; Ms. Rebecca Ashare, Director of Administration and Human Resources; Ms. Fransica Mawufemor Adjei, Director of Corporate Affairs; Dr. Abdulai Bonchel Duut, Deputy Director of Administration & HR; Mr. Marcus Akorli, Senior Manager, Monitoring and Evaluation; Ms. Ruth Ayiintimii Azantilow, Senior Manager and Personal Assistant to the Administrator; and Mr. Fredrick Kojo Aidoo, Head of the Corporate Affairs Unit.

This initiative reflects GIFEC’s ongoing role in supporting government institutions to operate efficiently through access to reliable digital tools. It aligns with the Fund’s broader mission of achieving nationwide digital inclusion, especially in underserved communities and sectors.

The launch which was held at the Sagnarigu Community Information Centre(CIC) is an initiative by GIFEC aimed at bridging the gender divide in ICT and  help empower women with essential skills. The training programme is geared towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 which seeks to  address gender equality and empower women through digital skills development.

At the launch of the ICT Training programme, Mr. Rashid-Computer commended the trainees for taking a bold step towards securing a digital future. He encouraged them to embrace the skills they would acquire, reminding them that technology is the key to unlocking countless opportunities.

He mentioned that each participant will receive a brand-new laptop upon successful completion of the training, reinforcing GIFEC’s commitment in enhancing digital inclusion and gender equity in technology.

“By empowering these educators, it will also help integrate digital technologies into their teaching, enhancing students’ digital literacy and prepare them for success in a technology-driven world”, Mr. Rashid-Computer stated.

He added that this initiative by GIFEC is expected to broadly aid female trainers in digital skills, empower them to take leadership roles in technology, and foster a more inclusive digital future.

The training is in alignment with GIFEC’s continued efforts to foster entrepreneurship and economic empowerment among women through the DTC project, a partnership between GIFEC and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU),  using Cisco and HP comprehensive training contents to train the women.

It also forms part of GIFEC’s broader strategy to build digital capacity across the unserved and underserved communities in Ghana, equipping individuals, especially women, with the tools and skills to participate fully in the digital economy.

While in Tamale, the capital of the Northern Region, the Administrator and his team undertook a working visit to inspect key ICT infrastructure, including the Tamale Innovation Centre, the Tamale ICT Centre, and the Kukuo Community ICT Centre, with the aim of assessing their current condition and identifying areas that require improvement.

The Administrator was accompanied by Ms. Francisca M. Adjei, Director, Corporate Affairs, and Mr. Marcus S. Akorli, Senior Manager, Monitoring and Evaluation.

The donation, which took place on April 15, 2025, at the headquarters of the Army Recruit Training School at Shai Hills in the Greater Accra Region, was led by the acting Administrator, Mr. Tanko Rashid Computer, other members of the Management Team. The gesture forms part of GIFEC’s mandate to extend ICT tools and digital access to underserved institutions across the country, including security agencies.

The request for support was initiated by the leadership of the Army Recruit Training School as part of its strategic drive to modernize its operations, improve administrative efficiency, and enhance digital learning and communication within the training environment.

Mr. Rashid Computer, in his remarks, emphasized that GIFEC responded swiftly to the request due to the critical role the Ghana Armed Forces play in maintaining national security and contributing to national development. “Supporting institutions like the Army Recruit Training School aligns with our broader mission to ensure inclusive access to ICT infrastructure and digital tools,” he stated.

The Administrator, who also addressed the gathering, underscored the importance of deepening collaboration between GIFEC and the Army Recruit Training School. He noted that such partnerships are essential to addressing the persistent digital divide, especially in areas facing network and connectivity challenges.

“The Shai Hills area, where the training school is located, continues to experience notable network issues which impact the quality of digital access and communication,” the Administrator observed. “As part of our commitment, GIFEC will work closely with relevant stakeholders to support efforts aimed at improving internet connectivity in the area, to ensure that the benefits of these laptops are fully realized,” Mr. Rashid Computer stated.

He further assured the leadership of the training school that this is only the beginning of a broader support initiative. “In the coming months, we will explore the provision of desktop computers, related accessories such as scanners, printers, projectors among others to further enhance the digital capabilities of the school,” he added.

Receiving the laptops on behalf of the Army Recruit Training School, Lieutenant Colonel Ambitious Nazar, the Commanding Officer expressed deep appreciation to GIFEC for the timely intervention. He highlighted that the laptops will greatly improve teaching and learning, bolster administrative processes, and enhance communication within the institution.

This initiative forms part of GIFEC’s broader strategic objective to promote digital inclusion, particularly among public institutions and in rural and underserved communities across Ghana.

Present at the donation ceremony for GIFEC were Ms. Francisca Mawufemor Adjei, Director, Corporate Affairs, Ms. Ruth Ayiintimii Azantilow, Senior Manager and PA to the Administrator and Mr. Fredrick Kojo Aidoo, Head of Corporate Affairs Unit.

In his address, the Minister highlighted a strategic shift in GIFEC’s focus, emphasizing the transition of GIFEC’s Rural Telephony Sites from mere rural connectivity infrastructure to fully operational commercial hubs. This transition aims to promote digital entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and e-commerce in unserved and underserved communities, thereby unlocking economic opportunities for rural dwellers.

Hon. Samuel George underscored the importance of GIFEC’s Community ICT Centres (CICs) in leveraging internet access to improve livelihoods. “As part of the government’s broader digitalisation agenda, efforts will be made to rehabilitate and retool the CICs to support the ambitious One Million Coders training programme, ensuring that rural youth acquire relevant ICT skills for global opportunities” the Minister said.

He announced plans to transform the CICs into key drivers of the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, extending their operational hours to facilitate digital services, online education, and business support around the clock.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring GIFEC plays a pivotal role in Ghana’s digital transformation by expanding access to high-speed internet in rural areas, creating commercial opportunities around digital infrastructure, strengthening ICT education and skills development through the CICs and positioning GIFEC as a key enabler of Ghana’s digital economy.

He called on staff to embrace this new direction and work collaboratively with the Acting Administrator and the newly appointed Deputy Administrator to achieve these goals.

Expressing his gratitude, the newly introduced Deputy Administrator Hon. Abdul-Aziz Mohammed thanked the President and the Minister for entrusting him with this critical role. He pledged his commitment to working with the entire GIFEC team to realize the government’s digital inclusion agenda. He emphasized the need for teamwork, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration to achieve GIFEC’s renewed objectives.

“I am excited to be back at GIFEC in a different capacity. Having previously served as Finance Manager here, I am familiar with the dedication and hard work of the staff. I look forward to working together to drive digital transformation and economic empowerment across Ghana,” he stated.

Hon. Abdul-Aziz is a seasoned financial and political figure with a wealth of experience in governance and digital communications. He previously served as the Finance Manager at GIFEC from 2009-2017, contributing significantly to the organization’s financial strategy. Beyond his tenure at GIFEC, he was a Member of Parliament for Mion Constituency in the Northern Region from 2017-2021 and has been an active member of the NDC Communications team, playing a key role in shaping national policy discussions on digitalisation and ICT.

His appointment is expected to bring a blend of financial expertise, policy insight, and strategic leadership to GIFEC as it embarks on this transformative journey.

The high-level engagement centered on improving telecommunication infrastructure in unserved and underserved communities, enhancing the performance of AT Ghana sites under the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project (GRT&DIP), and exploring innovative ways to drive digital transformation.

During the meeting, the Administrator highlighted the significance of partnerships in accelerating Ghana’s digital inclusion agenda. He emphasized that GIFEC, through its various projects, has been working to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of location, has access to affordable and reliable telecommunications services. However, he noted that achieving this goal requires the active participation of key industry stakeholders like AT Ghana.

A key focus of the discussion was the operational challenges faced by AT Ghana’s sites under the GRT&DIP. The Administrator called for stronger technical and infrastructural support from AT Ghana to enhance the efficiency of these sites, ensuring seamless connectivity for the thousands of people who rely on them for communication and digital services. He stressed the need for periodic assessments and collaborative interventions to optimize service delivery in rural areas.

Furthermore, Mr.  Tanko Rashid-Computer reiterated the importance of sustained financial support from telecommunications companies towards GIFEC’s mandate. He urged AT Ghana to redeem its statutory 1% contribution to GIFEC, which is crucial for sustaining initiatives that expand digital access. These contributions, he noted, enable GIFEC to deploy critical infrastructure, provide ICT training, and roll out digital skills programs that empower individuals and businesses in remote areas.

Beyond rural connectivity, the discussion also touched on the government’s broader vision for digital transformation. The Administrator briefed the AT Ghana CEO on the proposed amendment to the Communications Act, which established GIFEC, aligning with H.E. the President’s vision to transform the Fund into a Digital Economy and Innovation Development Fund. This new framework will position GIFEC as a key enabler of Ghana’s digital economy by providing financial support for innovative technology-driven projects, equipping millennials and Gen-Zs with entrepreneurial skills, and fostering economic growth through digital innovation.

In response, the CEO of AT Ghana Mr. Leo Skarlatos expressed his company’s unwavering commitment to supporting GIFEC’s mission. He acknowledged the challenges facing the telecommunications industry but reaffirmed AT Ghana’s dedication to fulfilling its obligations, including redeeming its contributions to GIFEC. He also pledged AT Ghana support in implementing innovative solutions to enhance rural connectivity, such as deploying alternative power solutions for remote cell sites, leveraging emerging technologies to optimize network performance, and exploring new financing models for sustainable infrastructure development.

Recognizing the need for continuous engagement, both parties agreed to hold further meetings to deepen collaboration and refine strategies for achieving shared goals. Mr. Leo Skarlatos assured GIFEC of their willingness to partner on future projects that align with Ghana’s digital transformation agenda, including potential initiatives that will expand broadband penetration, improve mobile network coverage, and facilitate ICT capacity-building programmes in rural areas.

GIFEC delegation at the meeting included the acting Deputy Administrator, Hon. Abdul-Aziz, Director of Operations and Ag. Director of Administration & HR, Alhaji Yahaya Zakaria Osman, the Director of Finance, Mr. Henry Agyeman Boateng, Senior Manager and PA to the Administrator, Ms. Ruth Ayiintimii Azantilow, Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Fredrick Kojo Aidoo and Mr. Vincent Owusu Amponsah.

Present for AT Ghana included Mr. Emmanuel Owusu, the Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Chief Legal & Regulatory Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Adjei and Benjamin Bagyio Adu, Head of Communications.

Led by Mr. Tanko Rashid Computer, CEO of GIFEC, the delegation included Deputy CEO Abdul Aziz Mohammed, along with key team members Henry Agyemang Boateng, Ruth Azantilow, Alhaji Yahaya Zakaria Osman, Fredrick Kojo Aidoo, and Vincent Amponsah. The meeting brought to the fore the need for increased collaboration to bridge Ghana’s digital divide, enhance rural telephony, promote Girls in ICT initiatives and support governments’ One Million Coders Initiative. 

Strengthening Collaboration to Advance Ghana’s Digital Agenda 

During the discussions, the CEO of the Chamber, while welcoming the GIFEC team, emphasized the strong and cordial relationship between the Chamber and GIFEC. He highlighted that members of the Chamber sit on GIFEC’s board, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to supporting GIFEC’s mandate. 

The Chamber reiterated its full support for GIFEC’s initiatives, particularly efforts to bridge the existing telecom usage deficit in underserved communities. The discussion also explored how Ghana has become a leading example of how Universal Service Funds (USF) are managed to drive national digital transformation.    

Growing the Industry to Sustain GIFEC’s Mandate 

The meeting also explored long-term strategies to expand Ghana’s telecom and digital financial sector. On his part, the CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, together with his management team made up of David Aryeetey, Alaina Dedry-Amuzu and Bobbie Osei, pledged to work closely with GIFEC to find sustainable solutions that support universal access to connectivity while ensuring financial viability for all players. 

Key suggestions included: 

– Encouraging industry-wide growth. 

– Strengthening mobile money and digital financial services to create revenue streams in underserved communities. 

– Investing in fixed broadband infrastructure to enhance connectivity and economic opportunities. 

As Ghana continues its push toward a digitally inclusive economy, partnerships between GIFEC and industry leaders like the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications will be critical in bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to digital services for all citizens. 

Source: Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications