Ministry of Communications takes governance to Northern region

As part of the Government 4 the People (G4P) Forum initiative by the Ministry of Communications, Deputy Minister, Ato Sarpong has led a Government team to the Upper East and West regions to engage the people in the governance process.

The meeting in the Upper East Regional capital of Bolgatanga took place at the Catholic Social Centre touched on issues ranging from Roads, Security, Water, Job creation and the Economy. The people of the Upper East Region who turned out in their numbers with their chiefs, students and workers fully represented listened to the Government delegation and then took their turn to ask questions. The question session which lasted 3 hours had the Government team respond to the varied questions that were raised and feedback taken to enable Government fine-tune its policies.

The Government Team was made up of the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon John Tiga Zigah, Northern Regional Minister, Hon Alhaji Limuna Muniru, Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Hon Daniel Syme, Deputy Communications Minister, Hon Ato Sarpong, Deputy Interior Minister, Hon James Agalga (MP), Deputy Roads & Highways Minister, Hon Isaac Mensah (MP), Deputy Water Resources, Works & Housing Minister, Hon Johnny Osei Kofi, Presidential Staffers James Agyenim-Boateng and Samuel Nartey George as well as the procurement specialist at the Ministry of Communications, Rebecca Okai.

The team led by the Deputy Communications Minister proceeded to inspect a Regional Innovation Centre being put up at Navrongo. The team encouraged the contractor to complete the project which is about 75% complete by end of the year.

The team then continued to Paga to inspect work on the e-immigration project at the Ghana Immigration Service border post. The Deputy Minister of Communications urged the officers to utilise the platform once completed to enhance border security and data collation. The Deputy Interior Minister encouraged His men to remain resolute in the discharge of their duties and assured them of Government's commitment to retooling the Service.

The Team then went on to inspect the Regional Innovation Centre for the Northern Region situated in Tamale. Work on the project is 90% complete with the team urging the contractor to conclude the project by the end of the year.

The RIC's form a part of Government's commitment to improving human capital in Information Communications Technology, ensuring Internet penetration across the country and opening up job opportunities for the youth in ICT. The Ministry of Communications & Media Relations is currently constructing 10 Regional Innovation Centres and hopes to commission them by end of year. The RIC's would offer software and hardware training, a modern equipment repair centre and a highspeed Internet café to serve the people.

The team is currently enroute to the Upper West Regional capital where it would hold another G4P Forum.