in the Public Sector

Accra, April 28, GNA- Mr Albert Kan Dapaah, Minister of Communications and Technology on Wednesday said government with assistance from CISCO, an ICT organization was developing a blue print for network infrastructure in the public sector to help eradicate duplication, consolidate and optimise existing infrastructure, resources and facilities.

He said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to that effect would be signed and work effected very soon.

Mr Kan Dapaah was inaugurating the first CISCO Regional Academy in the country at the Ghana India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Accra.

CISCO Regional Academy constitutes a strategic infrastructure that seeks to build capacity of highly skilled network engineers to meet the growing demand of ICT experts.

The Minister said CISCO was going to be a pivot for replication in the 10 polytechnics and universities in the country.

He said government was committed in providing leadership and direction in the development of ICT in the country against the backdrop of immense challenges that confronted the ICT industry such as infrastructure, human and technical resources, funding for mission critical projects and initiatives, accessibility and affordability of ICT.

Mr Kan Dapaah said CISCO's presence in Ghana would also give the country's competitive advantage as the regional leader in ICT in West Africa.

He said a partnership with CISCO was therefore a clear demonstration of the government's openness to form strategic alliance with the private sector, the business community and organizations to surmount the challenges and move towards digital divide into knowledge and information economy.

Mr Dapaah said the government was committed to the use of ICT as the enabling tool in the socio-economic transformation of the country. He said ICT has the capability to create wealth, eradicate poverty and significantly improve on the quality of life of the citizenry adding "The long term mutual benefits of ICT to the country are very compelling".

"I am looking forward to reaping the fruits of the Academy and its lasting impact on National Development," he added.

Ms Nancy Ncube, CISCO Area Manager, Sub Sahara Africa, said ICT was a very big industry, however the African Continent was lacking network specialists.

She said ICT was vital to alleviate poverty and having the proper skills in ICT was the only way that could help the continent to achieve its dream of poverty alleviation.