Government provides Kongo SHS with modern computer laboratory

One of the key priority areas on the agenda of the ruling NDC is to facilitate the provision and expansion of ICT infrastructure to accelerate the teaching and learning of ICT in schools.

In pursuance of this objective, the NDC intend to pilot the use of ICT electronic textbooks also known as ‘e-book’ using tablets in educational institutions between 2017 and 2020.

Captured in its recent manifesto launch, the policy will involve the acceleration of ICT education by training more teachers in the subject area while continuing the supply of computers to basic schools and establish ICT laboratories for selected schools.

The CEO of the National Petroleum Authority, NPA, Moses Asaga gave the hint when he led a delegation to commission a modern computer laboratory for the Kongo Senior High School in the Nabdam District of the Upper East Region.

With funding from Oil and Gas, Authentix Incorporators, the edifice is expected to increase the knowledge base of both students and teachers on ICT.

it is said that ICT has become the most dependable and cost effective means of enhancing corporate and organizational development worldwide.

Government is however, of the ardent view that today’s technological world is driven by ICT and Ghana cannot lose out of this great opportunity.

In line with this, Government is investing hugely in the provision of ICT infrastructure and said it will work to support the teaching and learning of ICT to enable the country reap the benefits that comes with it.

To realize this long term goal, Government in 2013 and 2016 commissioned ICT facilities in the 20 regional distance learning centres to aid distance education.

Hitherto, government has initiated the ICT youth employment policy with the view to resolving the unemployment situation facing the youth in the country.

Speaking at the sod cutting ceremony to officially commission an ultra-modern computer laboratory for the Kongo SHS, the CEO of NPA, Mr. Asaga, underlined some policy interventions by government to accelerate the pace of development in ICT education.

These initiatives, he lauded are geared at enhancing peoples knowledge on ICT, while creating a strong human resource base for the country to be able compete for business processing outsourcing jobs due to the strategic positioning of the country.

He said the development and commissioning of the computer laboratory for the school by Authentix Inc under the auspices of the NPA will go a long way to augment the efforts of government in achieving its strategic objective of making Ghana an ICT hub.

The facility, he opined, will enhanced the knowledge base of students so that when they move out of the school, they will be positioned to compete confidently with their peers down south and also seek for jobs and other viable opportunities anywhere they find themselves.

Mr. Asaga implored the school to put the facility into good use and ensure its regular maintenance for the benefit of future generations.

In his submission, the President of Authentix Inc, Kevin McKenna said science and technology are capable fundamental requirements for rapid socio-economic development and hoped that the facility will provide a platform for the application of information technology.

He was also optimistic that the facility will serve as a backbone for enhanced capacity development for the students and the community at large.

Mr. McKenna thanked the NPA and the community for the support in making the project a reality.

The Paramount Chief of the Nangodi Traditional Area, Naba Yelzoya, who chaired the function used the platform to caution the youth against deviant behaviors that may endanger their future aspirations.

He admonished the students to learn hard and remain disciplined as they climb the academic ladder.

In attendance were dignitaries including revered chiefs and officials from Authentix Inc.

The Nabdam DCE, Vivian Anarfo and Monsignor Roger Aboteyure were present to grace the occasion.