Excerpt
The Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE) stands as a testament to international collaboration and a beacon for technological advancement in West Africa. Established in 2003 through a partnership between the Government of Ghana and the Government of India, the Centre has been instrumental in fostering ICT education, research, and innovation in the region.
Historical Background
In August 2002, during a state visit to India, Ghana’s then-President John Agyekum Kufuor secured a bilateral agreement to enhance cooperation in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This agreement led to the establishment of GI-KACE, which was officially launched on December 9, 2003. India contributed computer hardware, software, communication equipment, and training for instructors, while Ghana provided the infrastructure and administrative support.
Mandate
GI-KACE is Ghana’s first Advanced Information Technology Institute, charged with stimulating growth in the ICT sector within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The Centre’s vision is to be a hub of excellence in ICT and e-Governance, promoting research and innovation, human and institutional capacity building, consultancy services, and setting standards for ICT and e-Governance solutions.
Organizational Structure and Leadership
Operating under the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, GI-KACE is led by a Director-General who oversees its strategic direction and operations. The Centre comprises various departments and units dedicated to training, research, consultancy, and administrative functions. Notably, Dorothy K. Gordon served as the founding Director-General from its inception until 2016, playing a pivotal role in establishing the Centre’s foundational programs and partnerships.
Mode of Appointment and Recruitment
The Director-General and other key leadership positions at GI-KACE are appointed by the Government of Ghana, typically through the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation. Recruitment for various roles within the Centre follows public service procedures, ensuring transparency and meritocracy.
Collaborations and Partnerships
GI-KACE collaborates with various governmental agencies, educational institutions, and international organizations to advance its mission. Notably, it has partnered with the Afro-Sino Centre of International Relations (ASCIR) to intensify research in ICT, reflecting its commitment to fostering global partnerships for technological advancement.
Constitutional Reforms
While specific constitutional reforms directly affecting GI-KACE are not documented, the Centre aligns its operations with national ICT policies and strategies. It plays a consultative role in shaping these policies, ensuring they reflect contemporary technological advancements and address the nation’s developmental needs.
Achievements
Over the past two decades, GI-KACE has made significant strides in ICT education and innovation:
Training and Capacity Building:
- The Centre has trained over 50,000 individuals, equipping them with high-end ICT skills that contribute to various sectors of the economy.
Infrastructure Development:
- GI-KACE houses West Africa’s first supercomputer, providing a dynamic environment for innovation, teaching, and learning.
Research and Innovation:
- The Centre has been pivotal in shaping Ghana’s technological landscape, delivering cutting-edge ICT solutions across various industries.
References
- https://moc.gov.gh/aiti-kace/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghana-India_Kofi_Annan_Centre_of_Excellence_in_ICT
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Gordon_%28activist%29?
- https://ascir.org/2022/03/07/aiti-kace-signs-mou-with-ascir-to-intensify-research-in-ict/
- https://citinewsroom.com/2023/12/ghana-india-kofi-annan-centre-of-excellence-in-ict-marks-20-years-of-excellence-in-ict/
- https://www.govserv.org/GH/Accra/325903089650/Ghana-India-Kofi-Annan-Centre-of-Excellence-in-ICT
- https://alchetron.com/Ghana-India-Kofi-Annan-Centre-of-Excellence-in-ICT
- https://gi-kace.gov.gh/tag/20th-anniversary/
- https://moc.gov.gh/gifec/
- https://www.ghana.gov.gh/mdas/e1a7d1a996/