Ericsson to broaden ICT connectivity to rural areas in Ghana
Ericsson is committed to broadening Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) connectivity to the rural areas of Ghana as part of its core objective of establishing a networked society.
“Ericsson uses innovation to empower people, business and society and thus envisage a networked society that is sustainable, and where everything that can benefit from a connection will have one,” Mr Andreas Karlsson, Head of Supply, Region Sub-Saharan Africa and Country Manager of Ericsson AB, Ghana branch made this known in Accra.
He made this known at a media briefing to explain how ICT will grow and empower people, business and the society.
Mr Karlsson said the strategy for the networked society is relevant for Ghana because of the powerful impact broadband could bring by developing the economy and creating jobs.
He said Ericsson focal point is therefore to build the competence of local people through regular training programmes.
Ericsson, which has been at the forefront in driving the networked society, said the idea was to empower individuals and communities to drive change towards completely new ways of governing, doing business, innovating, learning and educating.
Mr Karlson said as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) the company would bring connectivity to schools and communities in rural areas and train students and teachers.
The company is of the view that if schools and communities are fully connected with devices such as laptops, PCs, mobile phones, with internet access, there would be a huge change in the learning and teaching situation in schools.
A connected classroom and community would bring about transformation from the old traditional way of teaching and learning, to a more sophisticated digital way of learning, said Mr Karlsson.
Ericsson key pillars for CSR is education and is supporting the initiative of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly to build 50 new ultra modern schools in the Greater Accra Region which are to be fully ICT enabled.
Mr Karlsson noted that the idea was also born out of the fact that Ghana’s middle class is fast growing making it the third largest market in Sub-Saharan Africa.
He explained that it is therefore crucial for the company to put the right calibre of leadership in place to ensure sustainable business operations.
Ericsson has launched its vision of a networked society in South Africa, an initiative that comprises 50 billion global connections. These connections include mobile handsets, machines and other technology devices.
The networked society is part of the company’s campaign to empower people, business and society by constantly introducing mobile broadband and increased Internet connectivity.
ICT is one of Sweden´s key industries and has made Sweden top ranked globally in terms of connectivity, e-governance and ICT innovations.
The ICT industry stands for a large share of the employment in Sweden and there is a potential for a similar effect in Africa.
A joint report by the World Bank and African Development Bank had confirmed how ICT is transforming businesses and driving entrepreneurship and economic growth in the region, while enabling access to education, health care, employment, and information that helps citizens improve their quality of life.
Source: GNA