Report: Central Region has features for ICT Park

Accra, May 28, GNA - A study conducted by a Cape Coast-based NGO, Youth Aid Foundation for Winners (YAFOW), on the prospects for an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Park in Cape Coast has concluded that the region has the necessary features and infrastructure crucial for the establishment of such a facility.

A statement released in Accra on Thursday said the research constituted a pre-feasibility study for the establishment of an ICT Park in the Central Region.

The Park, among other things, was expected to primarily serve as a catalyst for local development and employment, and at the same time facilitate knowledge and technology transfer to the broader national economy, it said.

Furthermore, it hopes to develop networks, alliances, partnerships and opportunities with local and foreign establishments. The statement said the park would also foster an innovative culture within the Cape Coast municipality, thereby promoting interaction among stakeholders, institutions and clients through seminars, guest lectures, joint projects, sub-contracting work among other things.

"The findings in the report point to the fact that, there is a genuine appreciation for establishing such a facility in Cape Coast." The study also pointed out certain critical factors necessary for the success of the Park.

These include the need for a factual and balanced feasibility study, a steady supply of skilled manpower, a desirable working and living environment, access to financing and capitalization and good government tax incentive.

Others are qualified managers and Board of Directors, the adoption of a clear mandate and monitoring modalities, periodic assessment, development of financing options, seeking national and international linkages and establishing strategic alliances for a global market. According to Mr Christian Afenyo-Bansah, Director of YAFOW, the feasibility study unveiled very pertinent information that would not have been identified without such a study.

He assured corporate bodies, institutions and organizations, individuals and the investor community who would like to take advantage of the numerous business opportunities in the areas of education, tourism, agro-processing and marketing existing in the Central Region and that of energy and the recent oil find in nearby Western Region that the Cape Coast Park would serve all their ICT needs.

He added that promoting an ICT Park project in the Cape Coast Municipality was a conscious effort by his organization and partners to see that over 2,500 unemployed graduates gained decent and sustainable jobs upon its completion. MORE TMA/DK