The Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), under the leadership of Mr. Sofo Tanko Rashid-Computer, has marked one year of measurable progress in its mandate to bridge the digital divide and expand access to electronic communications in underserved and unserved communities across the country.

Over the past year, the Fund has implemented a series of strategic interventions aimed at strengthening rural connectivity, promoting digital inclusion, and supporting public institutions with reliable ICT infrastructure.

•Expanding Rural Telephony Coverage

As part of efforts to enhance rural connectivity, GIFEC conducted a comprehensive status assessment of 1,542 existing Rural Telephony Project (RTP) sites to evaluate infrastructure conditions and service quality.

Additionally, technical site surveys were carried out in 371 communities to determine their suitability for new telecommunication deployments. Network simulations for these communities are currently ongoing to guide the rollout of additional sites.

Mast erection has commenced in selected areas, while land acquisition processes are underway in 55 communities within the Volta Region to facilitate further expansion.

GIFEC says more communities are being earmarked for technical surveys, reinforcing its commitment to extending mobile network coverage to underserved populations nationwide.

•Investing in Girls Through ICT Training

In collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, GIFEC successfully organized the National Girls in ICT Day Climax Celebration at the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho. The event saw 1,000 girls receive hands-on ICT training, with over 100 participants awarded laptops, certificates, and cash prizes.

A similar large-scale training programme was held in the Upper West Region, where another 1,000 girls benefited from digital skills training and received awards.

The initiative is aimed at encouraging more girls to pursue careers in ICT and closing the gender gap in digital skills and access to technology.

•Empowering Women Through Digital Skills

Women empowerment has also featured prominently in GIFEC’s digital inclusion agenda. In Tamale, the Fund launched a two-week ICT Training of Trainers programme for 30 women in ICT, in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Cisco.

Beyond this, free digital skills training was extended to female small business owners in Jasikan, Nkwanta South, and Krachi West in the Oti Region.

The programmes are designed to enhance productivity, improve market access, and strengthen business sustainability through practical ICT knowledge.

•Institutional and Schools Connectivity Support

Within the year under review, GIFEC provided connectivity support to several public institutions, including the Narcotics Control Commission, Ghana Army Recruit Training Centre, National Road Safety Authority, National Sports Authority, National Hajj Board, and the Students Loan Trust Fund.

The Fund also connected a number of basic and secondary schools under its Schools Connectivity Project, improving access to digital learning resources and online educational platforms.

•Recognition and Awards

GIFEC’s performance over the past year has attracted both local and international recognition. The Fund received multiple awards, including Top Leader Recognition, Championing Inclusive Digital Transformation – Fund of the Year, and Top Transformational Leaders Recognition.

•Sustaining the Momentum

As the new year begins, GIFEC says it remains focused on scaling rural connectivity, strengthening digital inclusion for women and girls, and ensuring that investments in ICT infrastructure translate into improved livelihoods, enhanced access to services, and inclusive digital participation across Ghana.