Upper East Regional GIFEC Boss targets 90% functioning ICT Centers by 2026
Aberba explained that the initiative forms part of efforts to bridge the digital divide in underserved and unserved communities.
The Upper East Regional Manager of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Martin Aberba, has announced an ambitious plan to revive Community ICT Centers across the region, with a target of getting 90 percent of them fully operational by 2026.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Thursday, September 25, Aberba explained that the initiative forms part of efforts to bridge the digital divide in underserved and unserved communities. He noted that many of the centers, which are key to training and digital literacy, are in poor condition.
“My target is to get 90% of our Community ICT Centers running by 2026. I have initiated steps to get them stocked. Some of the challenges with the CICs have to do with equipment breakdown, while others need structural maintenance, just like the one at Adebayeri. It needs to be renovated, and we are working on that.” Aberba said.
He emphasized that bridging the digital divide remains central to GIFEC’s mandate, pointing out that the gap exists between those with access to modern information and communication technology (ICT) such as the internet, computers, and mobile phones, and those without.
“A student in the city can access educational resources online or a farmer can check market prices and weather forecasts, but their counterparts in rural areas are often unable to do so. Our mandate is to close that gap.” He explained.
The Regional Manager further revealed that, under GIFEC’s Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project, 58 rural telephony sites have already been established in underserved communities across the Upper East Region.
He added that the initiative has significantly improved connectivity, enabling residents to access internet services and mobile networks.
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