Affiliated Computer Services, a diversified process and information technology out-sourcing company, on Friday announced plans to expand its workforce in Ghana to reach 2,000 employees by the end of 2004.

The company, currently has a staff level of 1,300 in less than three years of its operations, who are performing data processing services for clients in the communications, health care and insurance industries.

Mr Tom Blodget, President of ACS, who gave the hint of the company's vision at a press conference before the close of a meeting of members of the Ghana Investors' Advisory Council, said ACS decision was informed by the high quality manpower and the educational capability of Ghanaians.

In connection with the programme, he said, there are already plans to build a 40,000 square-foot office complex in Accra, to house a state of the art high-tech facility, which will include 1,000 workstations, full satellite telecommunications capabilities, a training centre for employees, a library and an internet caf? to enhanced training and development opportunities.

Mr Blodget said the expanded workforce was a demonstration of ACS' continued commitment to Ghana and the company's support to help further President Kufuor's goals of developing the economy, provide work and training opportunities for Ghanaians as well as attract other investors and companies to the sub-region.

Mr Blodget presented a cheque for 100,000 dollars as part of its social responsibility to the President's initiative to construct wells in deprived areas of the country.

President Kufuor expressed his gratitude to ACS for being alive to its social responsibility.

He said government would continue to offer the necessary support to enable them to create more job opportunities in the country.