<<Print>>

Lady Julia Osei-Tutu, wife of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene on Tuesday called for the nationwide promotion of Information Communication Technology (ICT) education. She said ICT is the path to rapid socio-economic progress and that Ghana cannot afford to be left behind by globalisation. She stressed the need for the citizenry to be supported to become computer literate. Lady Julia was speaking at the inauguration of the Lady Julia Community Knowledge Centre (CKC) established by the Otumfuo Charity Foundation in Kumasi with its project partners listed as Vital Capital Fund, AppleSeeds Academy, TechAide, Google and Vodafone. The project which is the first of its kind in the country is to be piloted in two communities in the Ashanti Region-Suame in Kumasi and Kenyasi with funding from Vital Capital Fund. The concept was designed by Appleseeds Academy, from Israel. TechAide provided IT technical services, including supply of the unique Inveneo Certified low voltage computers, ICT hardware peripherals and software, installation, one year support and technical training for the CKC Managers at a cost of 100,000 dollars. Google Ghana provided online software and training while Vodafone provided internet service. Lady Julia expressed satisfaction that CKC would serve as one stop shop for information as it is hooked to the internet. Mr Kafui A. Prebbie, Chief Executive Officer of TechAide said the services provided at the CKC were designed to suit community needs. He said this was part of TechAide core operations to design, supply, install, train and support non-governmental organisations, public and corporate institutions in using ICT for development. Mr Prebbie said the computers in the CKC has on it �TechAide Bundle�, more than 20 pieces of educational software including those certified by the Ghana Education Service and would also provide electronic diagnosis for mechanics at the Suame Magazine. This, he, said would be done in collaboration with local motor sales companies. TechAide donated two of the low voltage computers to the Library of the CKC to improve reading and learning. He said TechAide is committed to change libraries in the country through the Public Libraries for Development initiative by training Liberians to be able to design innovative services, write winning proposals and ICTs to deliver services and manage the facilities effectively. Ms Estelle Akrofi-Sowah, Manager, Google Ghana said there is the need for all to make efforts to become conversant with the usage of the CKC to achieve results in whatever profession or trade one is engaged in. Mr Sandy Openheim, a representative of Vital Capital Fund said Management is proud to be associated with the project and promised to continue to live up to its corporate social responsibility not only to the people of Israel, but to the Globe. Mrs Rebecca Akita, Regional Librarian thanked TechAide for the gesture.