The Legon Centre for Education Research and Policy (LECERP) has presented the findings of a comprehensive impact assessment of programmes and projects implemented by the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) across the country.
The findings were unveiled at a stakeholder validation workshop organised by GIFEC to review the outcomes of the independent evaluation and gather feedback ahead of the publication of the final report. The assessment examined the effectiveness of key initiatives, including rural telephony and connectivity projects, cyber laboratories, and ICT capacity-building programmes designed to expand digital access in underserved communities.
Dr. Martin Wiredu Agyekum (left) delivering remarks on behalf of the Director of LECERP
Delivering introductory remarks on behalf of the Director of LECERP, Dr. Martin Wiredu Agyekum, Research Fellow at the Centre, thanked GIFEC for the opportunity to conduct the nationwide assessment. He noted that the study aligns with the University of Ghana’s Strategic Priority Two, which focuses on impactful research, as well as Strategic Priority Four, which promotes engagement and partnerships. He also commended GIFEC and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) for their confidence in LECERP’s research capabilities.
Dr. Innocent Agbelie, presenting the draft report
Presenting the draft technical report, Dr. Innocent Agbelie, Research Fellow at LECERP, explained that the study involved field surveys and stakeholder interviews across selected regions. According to him, the evaluation assessed the impact of GIFEC-funded initiatives on women, youth, rural communities and small businesses.
Dr. Agbelie further noted that the study examined operational challenges affecting programme efficiency and assessed the sustainability of funded projects, particularly in relation to maintenance and long-term viability. While acknowledging GIFEC’s progress in expanding digital access and supporting livelihoods, he emphasised the need to strengthen governance, ownership and asset accountability at beneficiary sites. He also recommended addressing operational expenditure gaps through the establishment of a clear operations and maintenance financing model to sustain the long-term impact of the projects.
Mr. Sofo Tanko Rashid-Computer, Administrator, GIFEC, delivering remarks
Speaking at the workshop, the Administrator of GIFEC, Mr. Sofo Tanko Rashid-Computer, highlighted the importance of the assessment in strengthening accountability and improving programme effectiveness. He noted that conducting a comprehensive and independent evaluation is essential to ensure that GIFEC’s initiatives remain relevant, efficient and responsive to the needs of underserved and unserved communities.
Mr. Rashid-Computer described the validation workshop as an important step in reviewing the findings and expressed confidence that LECERP’s work would provide valuable insights into both the strengths and gaps in GIFEC’s interventions. He also expressed appreciation to LECERP for its professionalism and to GIZ for its continued support towards Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.
Dr. Suleman Musah, Head of Research at GIFEC briefing officials at the workshop
Providing further context, the Head of Research at GIFEC, Dr. Suleman Musah, described the assessment as timely and important for enhancing programme effectiveness. He explained that periodic evaluations help promote accountability, refine implementation processes and ensure that digital inclusion initiatives reach marginalised and underserved populations.
Nana Akyaa Amoah-Amissah, Deputy Administrator, GIFEC
In her remarks, the Deputy Administrator of GIFEC, Nana Akyaa Amoah-Amissah, highlighted the importance of tracking measurable outcomes and sustaining impact through well-designed digital inclusion projects. She expressed optimism that the findings and recommendations would guide the implementation of more targeted, sustainable and inclusive programmes for underserved communities.
Alhaji Yahaya Zakaria Osman, Director of Operations, GIFEC
The Director of Operations at GIFEC, Alhaji Yahaya Zakaria Osman, also noted that the assessment forms part of the Fund’s universal access and service obligations. He encouraged stakeholders to provide candid feedback during the validation process, noting that their contributions would help strengthen implementation strategies and improve the sustainability of funded projects.
Mr. Walter Dzimey, GIZ Ghana, delivering remarks
Representing GIZ Ghana, Technical Advisor Mr. Walter Dzimey reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s digitalisation agenda. He explained that, with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through GIZ, the study seeks to enhance digital adoption and strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises. He expressed confidence that the findings would inform sustainable investments and generate measurable benefits for society.
Participants at the validation workshop, including beneficiaries and institutional stakeholders, engaged in discussions to review the findings and provide input to strengthen the final report.
Officials present at the meeting included representatives from the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, GIFEC, the National Communications Authority, the Data Protection Commission, the Cyber Security Authority, the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, the National Information Technology Agency, the Ghana Domain Name Registry, ATC Tower Ghana Limited, Huawei Technologies Ghana, MTN, AirtelTigo, Telecel, Ascend Digital Solution, the World Bank Ghana Office, the MasterCard Foundation and the United Nations Development Fund.