Government’s desire to embark on ICT infrastructure development is expected to be enhanced this year, with the Communications Ministry confirming that it will continue with implementing the e-Trans from Ghana Project.
The project will focus on employing ICT-based interventions, create job opportunities and promote entrepreneurship.
Among the programmes that will be implemented under the e-Transform Ghana Project are the National Electronic ID System, E-Immigration System, E-Procurement System, E-Parliament, E-Justice System, Digitisation of Paper Records, Integrated e-Health Systems, Teachers network, Educational Portal and Capacity Building, E-Services, and Tertiary Institutions Access Programme (TIAP).
A report of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Communications noted that even though Parliament has approved a budget of GH¢292million by this year, there is no allocation for capital expenditure.
Furthermore, as much as GH¢146million came from development partners.
Despite its limited budget inflow, chairman of the Parliamentary Communication Committee Albert Abongo says the ministry is determined to push through some of the planned policies for the year.
Under the ICT infrastructure development, the ministry will be pursuing expansion of the national broadband infrastructure to cover the western corridor and offshore oil and gas exploration areas. It is expected to build some terrestrial fibre at the south-western part of the country, which is rich in agricultural and mining activities.
The report also outlines that there will be a link to connect with the Eastern Corridor fibre to enhance its robustness and reliability.
Mr. Abongo also disclosed that government through the ministry has entered into a partnership agreement for the Republic of Mauritius to invest over US$200million in the ICT Park at the Tema Free Zone Enclave, which when commenced and completed will create numerous jobs for the youth.
The Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) roll-out plan will be pursued, as well as completion of phase-two and three by March 2016.
“Operations of the Ministry of Communications (MoC) are a vital part of national growth and development, and therefore the ministry must be adequately resourced to carry out its mandate,” Albert Abongo said.
Members of the committee also recommends that the MoC “take necessary steps to wean a number of its agencies off government subvention. It is expected that these bodies, should they become independent, also contribute to boosting government’s revenue.”
Some of the agencies that could be weaned off government subvention include Ghana News Agency (GNA), NAFTI, GBC, GMet.
Other policies set to be rolled-out by the ministry include the Integrated e-Health System, Support ICT Skills Training with focus on Girls in ICT, implementation of the Interconnect Clearing House, Mobile Virtual Network Operating Licence, International Wholesale Carrier Licence and the Unified Telecom Licence.