The Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), the entity responsible for bridging the digital divide in Ghana, is facing significant financial constraints due to the widespread non-compliance of telecommunication companies with a legal mandate to contribute to the fund. This has hindered GIFEC’s ability to execute its mandate effectively, particularly in extending digital access to underserved rural communities and promoting digital literacy programs nationwide. Dr. Rashid Tanko Computer, the CEO of GIFEC, has publicly expressed his concerns, highlighting the urgency of enforcing this provision of the Electronic Communications Act to ensure sustainable funding for Ghana’s digital development agenda.
The Electronic Communications Act stipulates that all licensed telecommunication service providers in Ghana are obligated to contribute 1% of their investment to GIFEC. This contribution is crucial for funding various initiatives aimed at expanding digital access, including the establishment of rural telephony infrastructure, the development of digital literacy programs, and the provision of digital tools and resources to marginalized communities. However, despite the legal framework, only a small fraction of licensed operators are complying with this requirement. Out of over 200 licensed service providers, only a handful, including major players like MTN, Telecel, and AT, are consistently meeting their obligations. This lack of compliance represents a substantial loss of potential funding for GIFEC, severely limiting its capacity to implement critical projects and programs.
Dr. Tanko Computer has emphasized the importance of these contributions, arguing that if they had been consistently enforced over the years, GIFEC would have made significantly greater progress in connecting rural communities to the digital world. He estimates that millions of cedis have been lost due to non-compliance, hindering the progress of Ghana’s digital transformation. The CEO has stated that GIFEC intends to pursue defaulters to ensure fairness and sustainability in the funding of digital development initiatives. This action is not intended as a punitive measure, but rather as a necessary step to secure the resources needed to bridge the digital divide and empower all Ghanaians through digital access.
The lack of compliance has had a direct impact on GIFEC’s ability to roll out crucial projects and programs that are essential for Ghana’s digital transformation. The shortfall in funding has limited the expansion of rural telephony services, hindering efforts to connect remote communities and bridge the digital divide. It has also restricted the development and implementation of digital literacy programs, leaving many Ghanaians, particularly those in underserved areas, without the necessary skills to thrive in the digital age. Furthermore, the lack of funding has hampered GIFEC’s capacity to provide digital tools and resources to disadvantaged communities, further exacerbating the digital divide.
The government’s “One Million Coders” initiative, aimed at equipping a million Ghanaians with coding skills, serves as a prime example of the potential impact of these unrealized funds. The initiative has generated substantial interest across various demographics, highlighting the widespread desire for digital skills development. Dr. Tanko Computer referenced the enthusiasm of even traditional leaders in the Ashanti Region who expressed interest in participating in the program. He emphasized that with sufficient funding, initiatives like this could be significantly expanded, empowering a larger segment of the population with the skills needed to participate in the digital economy. The lack of compliance, however, threatens to constrain the reach and impact of such vital programs, ultimately hindering Ghana’s progress towards becoming a digitally advanced nation.
Dr. Tanko Computer has appealed to various stakeholders, including media houses, digital platforms, and civil society organizations, to raise public awareness about the importance of compliance with the Electronic Communications Act. He has also urged all defaulting companies to fulfill their legal obligations, emphasizing that these contributions are not merely financial requirements, but rather investments in the future of Ghana. By ensuring compliance, these companies can play a vital role in empowering Ghanaians through digital access, training, and tools, ultimately contributing to the nation’s overall development and progress towards a digital economy. The CEO’s message underscores the need for collective responsibility and collaborative action to achieve inclusive digital progress in Ghana.
