Ghana to establish website for key agencies - Jake

The Government would establish a website soon to provide access to services by various public agencies, Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Minister for Information and Presidential Affairs (MIPA), said on Thursday.

This was contained in a speech read on his behalf at the launching of the website of the British High Commission: www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/ghana

Obetsebi-Lamptey said the institutions include the Ministries, Custom Excise and Prevention Service (CEPS), Ghana Export Promotion Council (GEPC), Ghana Trade Fair Authority (GTFA) and the Ghana Investment Promotion Council (GIPC).

He said the online service would include applications for driver's licenses, visas, passports, payment of fees and fines and the submission of tenders. Obetsebi-Lamptey said the Ministry of Communication and Technology would ensure the service nationwide.

He said MIPA was ascertaining the requirements of a typical District for inclusion in the project with the support of a Dutch NGO.

Dr Rud Pullen, British High Commissioner, said the British government was committed to openness and transparency by providing as much information as possible to the widest number of people. He said all British Ministries and Departments had their websites, adding that, the one for the High Commission was a further step forward in that process.

The High Commissioner said the website would provide information and enable Ghanaians to download Visa applications forms and guidance notes. He said, "This will save many people the chore of coming to either the High Commission or British Council offices to collect forms".