The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology in partnership with the rLG communications, a subsidiary of the Agams group has presented 148 laptop computers to some selected students from second cycle and tertiary educational institutions in the Northern Region.

The students, drawn from the Damongo SHS, Tamale Secondary (TAMASCO) and the University for Development (UDS), received the laptops which were branded with the coat of arms and the national flag.

The initiative forms part of the government’s effort at deepening students' knowledge in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Major (Rtd) Dr. Mustapha Ahmed, Deputy Minister of Environment, Science and Technology in presenting the computers on Thursday said the beneficiaries of the laptops applied for them through the Ministry, stressing that, it would enhance their knowledge in research and academic work and build their capacities.

He said the government believed in human resource capacity building upon which the development of the nation hinged, and promised that the government will next year present 100,000 more laptops to interested applicants.

Dr. Ahmed who is also the MP for East Ayawaso Constituency in Accra, expressed the hope that the government was committed to investing in the people, and explained that the government had introduced scholarship schemes for maths and science students to enhance science and technology development.

He said government will equally make available one per cent of GDP each year to support research in the country.

He admonished the beneficiaries to use the laptops for the intended purposes and avoid using them for criminal activities. he indicated that the 2012 application formalities were being processed for consideration.

Alhaji Haruna Friday, Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, appealed to the beneficiaries to make good use of the laptops for the nation to derive the maximum dividends out of it.

He urged them to translate the assistance of the laptops received into votes to retain the ruling government in power to continue its good works.

Alhaji Friday said the government was committed to providing the needs of the people and had fulfilled most of its promises expressing the hope that the Government will be retained due to its good works.**