Ursula inaugurates GIFEC, GDNR and NITA Governing Bodies

The reconstituted governing boards of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), the Ghana Domain Name Registry (GDNR) and the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) have been inaugurated.

The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Hon Ursula Owusu Ekuful swore them in last week by leading them to take the oaths of office and secrecy.

GIFEC

The inauguration was in accordance with the Electronic Communications Act, 2008, ACT 775, which gives legal backing to the formation of the Fund and spells out its mandate.

The board is made up of Mr Prince Ofosu Sefah, Administrator GIFEC, Madam Olivia Okailey Quartey, National Communication Authority (NCA), Hon. Cynthia Mamle Morrisson, Parliamentary Select Committee on Communication, Mr Alexander Yaw Arphul, Ministry of Communications, Mr Emmanuel Adjei, Industry Forum Representative, Mr William Tetteh, Industry Forum Representative, Mrs Geta Stiggner-Quartey, Industry Forum Representative, Mr Emmanuel Antwi Kwarteng, Industry Forum Representative.

In her inaugural speech, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful expressed excitement about the dynamic mix of competencies and experiences in the Board.

The lawmaker charged the Board to be more resourceful, innovative and strategic in their thinking, planning and execution of projects, particularly because the sector is constantly evolving and rapidly changing.

“Government is convinced that technological developments and advancement all over the world have strongly influenced the growth and development of countries and Ghana is no different. Communication services that include voice, data services, access to the internet, local relevant content, community radio and government services that are affordable and of high quality, as well as signal coverage of mobile and broadcast network through remote regions.”

She added, “Key initiatives include the School Connectivity Programme, which has so far established a Cyber laboratory in over 1000 second cycle institutions across the country, Community ICT centres in deprived areas, Extensive digital literacy skills programme, with special emphasis on Girls in ICT, aerial fibre for backhaul and last mile,  and our flagship project, the Ghana Rural Telephony Project which is constructing 2016 cell sites across some of the most deprived parts of our country to connect up to 4 million people to voice and data networks.

“We are all witnesses to the massive digital transformation drive of the government, and to ensure that no person is excluded from harnessing the benefits of digitalisation, GIFEC will have to a play critical role in that direction.  H.E. the president is determined to leave no Ghanaian behind as we strive to build our digital economy which is gradually unfolding.”

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Prince Ofosu Sefah, Administrator of GIFEC, expressed their acceptance and appreciation for the appointment. He assured of the commitment of Members to work hard to ensure achievement of the mandate of providing Universal Access to all persons for socioeconomic development.

He admitted that the Digital Divide is not only from a spatial, but also a demographic standpoint, hence the need to tackle the task ahead with experience and expertise, to diversify the sources and ensure adequacy of funding for GIFEC, for the ultimate achievement of the President’s Digitalisation goals. He also iterated the need to motivate staff adequately to give out their best and guarantee maximum productivity.

GDNR

The Ghana Domain Name Registry (GDNR) board consists of nine (9) members. Their mandate is to use their diverse backgrounds, skills and expertise to carefully navigate the relegation process to ensure the successful completion of GDNR related issues.

The Board is made up of Dr. Nana Yaa Tina Owusu-Prempeh (Rev.) as the Chairperson with Nana Kofi Asare-Aidoo, Mr. Andrew Ayitey Okoe Bulley, Dr. Francis Boateng Agynim, ACP Vance Baba Gariba, Mr. Lucas Yikimpa Chigabatia, Prof. Daniels Obeng- Ofori, Ing. Isaac Teye Ayiku and Mad. Estelle Akoflo-Sowah as members.

Addressing the members of the Board, the Minister underscored the importance of the GDNR in handling .GH domain names, stressing that, it is vital to the Government’s digitalization agenda since the local domain names form a core part of the local Internet.

“The Registry is a crucial resource for everyone as the  transfer of individuals onto digital platforms is part of the digital economy. This would allow individuals, government, and commercial institutions to take full advantage of the numerous benefits the Internet brings, accelerating the growth of the economy generally.

“I expect to feel the presence of the Governing Board within the shortest possible time by addressing the most critical issues facing the GDNR and must reiterate that we expect a lot from you, and I believe you will vindicate the appointing authority, HE the President’s faith in you” she noted.

NITA

The National Information Technology Agency (NITA) board is made up of Mr. Kwabena Addo-Atuah as Chairperson with Mr. Richard Edmund Okyere-Fosu, Mr. Gerard Nana Kwakwa Osei-Tutu, Mr. Issah Yahaya, Mrs. Matilda A. S. Acheampong Wilson, Dr. Albert Antwi Boasiako , Mad. Shiela Y. N. Minkah-Premo Esq., Hon. Ama Pomaa Boateng and one other member (pending).

Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful leading the swearing-in ceremony indicated that it was imperative that NITA performs its regulatory functions as envisaged by ACTS 771 and 772.

“The rapid utilisation of digital technology which has been escalated by the COVID-19 pandemic and proliferation of virtual and online applications and services both in the public and private sector, requires effective regulation to ensure rights are protected, secure systems which are fit for purpose are procured, data governance is ensured, and minimum standards of technology and proficiency are adhered to across the country” she noted.