Huawei has donated 200 Huawei Smartphones to support digitalisation of some rural communities benefiting from the Rural Telephony Project, which seeks to bring connectivity to over four million Ghanaians in underserved and unserved communities in Ghana through use of the innovative RuralStar Solution jointly developed by Huawei and Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation.
The donation took place at Bonuama in the Amenfi Central district and Mile 3 in the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal district of the Western and Western North Regions respectively, and formed part of activities to inaugurate Rural Telephony Project sites in these communities by the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu Ekuful.
In her remarks, the Communications Minister acknowledged the benefits of network connectivity; hence the need to increase and improve infrastructure in that regard. “I know the benefits of network connectivity, as it seeks to improve the digital economy through the digital infrastructure. My ministry is leaving no community behind and government is committed to investing in this regard.”
Mrs. Ursula Owusu Ekuful [Honourable] also challenged the community to take full advantage of their new-found connectivity to change their lives. “The benefits of connectivity to your community goes beyond students using it to advance their knowledge; take advantage of services like Mobile Money, eCommerce among others to explore new business opportunities as well as boost your existing businesses,” she added.
The minister expressed gratitude to Huawei for the company’s contributions to Ghana’s digitalisation drive, and commended the ICT giant for its donation to the communities.
Speaking on the rationale behind this donation, the Enterprise director at Huawei Ghana, Mr. Brian Wu, noted that as a responsible corporate citizen Huawei is committed to improving connectivity with innovative technologies that are designed and customised to suit needs of the people. At Huawei, we believe bridging the digital divide is a key challenge for us and we do support and promote initiatives that help deliver access to communications for disadvantaged communities.
“Today, one can have the whole world in their hands; and with just a tap of your smartphone you can unlock a world of endless possibilities and opportunities. We are bringing the world to you today, to enable you unlock the full potentials and benefits of digitalisation. Smartphones are transforming the way we live and do business, and I implore all beneficiaries to explore these opportunities to the fullest. Embrace all government services and interventions with your smartphones and realise the full benefit of connectivity,” he added.
The newly-appointed Administrator for GIFEC, Mr. Prince Sefah said: “Phase-one of the Rural Telephony Project involves constructing 2,016 telecom sites to provide voice and 3G data connectivity to about 3 million Ghanaians in unserved and underserved communities; while Phase-two of the project, which is at the planning stage, will seek to plug any remaining gaps and upgrade sites to 4G”.
Huawei also donated 200 Schoolbags and 200 Pencases to supports pupils in the community so as to enhance educational activities for the beneficiaries.
