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Meeting with Ghana Telecommunications Company
The National ICT Policy and Plan Development Committee met with some top officials of Ghana Telecom on 23rd October 2002 as part of the National Consultative exercise aimed at developing an ICT-driven socio-economic development policy and plan.
List of Participants
| Ernest V. A. Aikins |
General Manager - ITPM |
| Joseph D. Obah, |
General Manager – International Department |
| E. K. Idun, |
General Manager - International |
Some Highlights of the Issues Raised
- A representative from Ghana Telecom inquired from the committee when the framework will be out. Prof. Dzidonu mentioned that the policy framework would be out by 1st week in December. But, to enable the government make a policy statement and be committed to it, the government must know where we are in terms of infrastructure.
- A question was asked on tariffs for voice; Mr. Aikins responded that structures are not yet in place to check tariffs for voice. Mr. Sani-Abdulai, a member of the ICT Committee, illustrated a situation where Ghana Telecom would design a special code assigned to data and voice, which could be made available to ISPs. The code would assist Ghana Telecom to distinguish data from voice.
- Prof. Dzidonu gave a brief presentation on Telecom Operators. He then asked about details of Ghana Telecom’s digital/analogue indicators for fixed line distribution and also requested an update of the data from Ghana Telecom.
- The Committee asked about GT’s plan; and it was mentioned that Ghana Telecom’s plan is to expand its switches and transmitters. Telenor is to draw a more aggressive business plan for Ghana Telecom by providing 400,000 lines within four years.
- Prof. Dzidonu asked how relevant is our data for the next three years in relation to Telenor’s program. Mr. Aikins responded that it is the hope that the policy framework would address infrastructure imbalances.
- Prof. Dzidonu mentioned that the framework would be general; the Policy document will be about twenty pages. The framework document will be the basis of the policy. Any question as to why the policy is being done, reference has to be made to the framework document.
- Mr. Abdulai in his contribution said that Information Kiosk could be designed in various communities to meet the needs of the community. For example, South Africa has instituted the use of an Information Kiosk, which serves as an information need of the people. Also, Internet Service Providers must target schools instead of towns.
- Prof. Dzidonu made it known that government would have a policy on universal access. Mechanisms by which government can make a policy would depend on his knowledge of our achievements, shortfalls and where we hope to be.
- Mr. Aikins asked if the committee would meet them again before the completion of the Framework document, it was noted that there would be no meeting until the framework document is out and that the Committee would make available to Ghana Telecom a review of the framework as per consultations the Committee had had with them.
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