Ministry of Communications and Microsoft sign MOU

Accra, June 22, GNA - The Ministry of Communications on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the world's leading computer software producers, Microsoft, to increase access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) education in the country. The MOU signed in Accra by Sector Minister, Professor Mike Ocquaye for Ghana and Mr Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwe, Microsoft General Manager for Anglophone West Africa, would also help use ICT as an innovative approach to improve the economy.

Prof. Ocquaye said the partnership would further build capacity on ICT training in schools, especially those in rural areas to enable them to catch up with modern technologies. He said ICT development remained key to Government and as such making the technology more accessible would also ensure efficiency in business management in the various sectors of the economy. The Minister mentioned the National Fibre Backbone Project and the Electronic-Governance Project as reflecting Ghana's willingness to apply ICT in all sectors. Prof. Ocquaye expressed the hope that working with Microsoft would further enhance public administration systems in order to fully tap the benefits of ICT.

Mr Mba-Uzoukwe said Microsoft's partnership with Ghana was to realize its objective under a project dubbed: "Unlimited Potential" that would support over the five billion people in developing countries who did not have access to Internet and its related technologies. He said the company acknowledged that through a one-digital inclusiveness approach and the Internet, countries would be empowered to create their own local innovations in the technology for export.

Mr Mba-Uzoukwe noted that such innovation could turn the fortune of the African continent around to shift from its traditional export of natural resources and generate wealth. He hinted that to improve access to ICT, Microsoft was advocating for cheaper computer prices, adding that, the company was selling its software for three dollars for each Processing Unit (PC). He stated that the Company had also called for the manufacture of refurbished computers that would sell at between 90 and 100 dollars and would be expected to be in developing countries in September.

Mr Mba-Uzoukwe mentioned the "Microsoft Student Innovative Sweet" as another project being undertaken by the company for students to enable them to develop ICT skill. The Reverend Emmanuel Kingsley Dadebo, Coordinator for ICT Training in Education Programmes, Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, described the partnership as a unique opportunity for Ghana, especially since the new Education Reform Programme would commence in September. He said the technology would ensure management efficiency, quality teaching and learning. Rev. Dadebo said application of ICT could also address special needs on education and ensure an equal platform for all students regardless of their geographic area.