Alcatel-Lucent and
NITA - the information and communications technology (ICT) policy arm of Ghana
s Ministry of Communications - are to dramatically expand communication links
between central and regional administration offices in support of external
linke-Ghana, a national initiative to develop local IT services and improve the
transparency and efficiency of government functions.
Alcatel-Lucent
will design and implement a 600km fiber-optic backbone network that will
provide high-speed data links between central government functions and remote
and rural locations. In addition, Alcatel-Lucent will provide a national data
center facility to support the network, through close collaboration with HP, a
global alliance partner for the delivery of converged ICT solutions.
Under the
agreement with NITA (National Information Technology Agency), Alcatel-Lucent
will also manage network operations of Ghana s entire e-government program for
three years commencing November 2012. Financing for the program is being
facilitated by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), an office
of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs tasked with combating poverty through
the promotion of human rights and economic growth.
The new network,
which will link Ghana s north and south as well as international submarine
gateways via its eastern corridor, will use Alcatel-Lucent s 100 gigabit per
second (100G)-capable optical coherent technology. This advanced fiber-optic
technology will enhance business efficiencies between central and regional government
offices and maintain quality and reliability across a telephone service, email
and other Internet-based e-services.
The network will
easily be able to expand to support anticipated increases in future demand: the
government intends to extend use of e-services to the health, education,
justice, immigration, parliament and other sectors over the next few years.
William Tevie,
Director General of NITA said: By delivering a new network and data center,
Alcatel-Lucent will enable us to streamline government processes between
central and rural divisions and provide a consistent external view. This is an
important step toward realizing the vision of giving our people access to a
range of critical services how and when they need them.
The
Danish Minister for Development, Mr Christian Friis Bach said: Information and
communication technology (ICT) is an important platform for sustainable growth
and development. It can provide access to information on basic health,
education and relevant business data. ICT can also strengthen democracy and
increase transparency, accountability and empowerment. I am very pleased that
Denmark and Danish technical solutions in this way can contribute to Ghana's
further economic development
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