To bridge the digital divide and enhance ICT accessibility globally, the Republic of Korea has officially opened the second Korea-Ghana Information Access Center (IAC) at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS). This followed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the establishment of an Information Access Center and ICT Cooperation between the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation of Ghana and the National Information Society Agency (NIA) of the Republic of Korea on November 5, 2021.
The IAC is a multifunctional facility that consists of an ICT lounge, an ICT training room, a video conferencing room, a multimedia room for video production and content editing. The facility also has additional resources which include a 4K camera for video coverage and livestreaming, assistive technologies for both vision impaired and hearing-impaired, Raspberry Pi and Arduino kits for robotics training of young learners.
Welcoming guests to the ceremony, Vice Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato said “The University remains profoundly grateful to the government of South Korea and its agencies, the government of Ghana and its ministries especially the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation for the establishment of the facility that will be beneficial to the University community and the entire public”. She also acknowledged her predecessor, Professor John Owusu Gyapong, who signed the MOU for the project to commence.
Professor Aziato noted that “since the completion of the facility it has already helped both the University community and the public in online learning and access to library electronic databases, creation of multimedia content, training, and the hosting of other conferences”.
Hon. Ursula Owusu Ekuful, Minister of Communication and Digitalisation, commended South Korea for the partnership and unwavering support for the establishment of the facility. “Your dedication to sharing expertise, resources, and technological advancements exemplifies the true spirit of international cooperation”, she said.
The Minister stated that “the establishment of this IAC signifies not just a physical space but a bridge connecting nations, cultures, and a repository of knowledge, and a catalyst for progress. It embodies the power of technology in fostering global connections and propelling our societies toward greater heights” noting that the IAC will serve as a hub for learning, research, innovation and nurturing the minds of students, scholars, and the community at large.
Ho. Ekuful assured that in providing digital education infrastructure in enhancing the development of human resources, “we are working to provide fibre connectivity to all government institutions including UHAS and have also taken note of the Vice Chancellor’s request for a befitting computer laboratory for this institution”.
Dr. Yang Hyun-soo, Executive Director, Global Digital Transformation Team at NIA, noted that they opened the 29th worldwide IAC in Ghana at the University of Ghana and were glad to be commissioning the second one at UHAS,10 years later.
He reiterated that his outfit will not only help the IAC to function as an internet base but will provide active support for the center as a cradle for AI, big data, cloud, mobile and other new digital technological education and innovative ideas that will guide the digital transformation era in Ghana.
Jeong Hyeju, Second Secretary to the Ambassador of Korea, stated that the IAC will help nurture bilateral relations and future cooperation between Korea and Ghana.
Dr. Theresa Adu, UHAS Librarian, in expressing her joy said “the opening of the IAC is an opportunity to usher in a new era of learning and exploration, a new digital hub and a collection of different technological tools to help bridge the digital divide”. She also added that the center has already initiated some activities aimed at bridging the wider digital divide and is in the process of facilitating a curriculum to help train the youth in the region.
Mr. Augustus Awity, Chief Director, Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), speaking on behalf of the Regional Minister, advised the University not to relegate operations and maintenance of the centre to the background.