![[----------]](images/dotorang.gif){kind=small}
The following is a brief excerpt of the Second Leland
Information and Communication Strategic Objective Trip Report for Ghana.
February 5-22, 1997
Prepared for:
United States Agency for International Development
Africa Bureau, Office of Sustainable Development
USAID/Ghana
Submitted by:
Zoey Breslar, PPC/CDIE/DI/RRS
Heather Crawford, PPC/CDIE/DI/ESDS
Steven Dorsey, AED/LearnLink
Barbara Keating, Computer Frontiers, Inc.
Amy Oggel, PPC/CDIE/DI/RRS
The Leland Initiative seeks to bring the benefits of the global information revolution to the people of Africa through connection to the Internet and other Global Information Infrastructure (GII) technologies. It is the core element of the Africa Bureau strategy, "Empowering Africans in the Information Age."
Through its component to promote end-user applications (Strategic Objective 3), the Leland Initiative seeks to achieve broadbased use of information and global information technologies within USAID's development partner community in order to promote sustainable development in Africa. Although African countries have recently shown movement towards more open economies and societies, formidable constraints remain to the achievement of sustainable development, including the lack of ready access to relevant information. New GII technologies make information more accessible, transferable and manageable. Africa needs access to these technologies and the information available through them to provide more resources and efficiency to its development programs. The results of access to these technologies may include:
The Leland Initiative's first step in strengthening the end-user base is to provide Internet training for USAID staff and selected development partner institutions. The purpose of this training is three-fold:
During the course of the Internet for Development: Applications and Training sessions in Accra, approximately 130 participants were given a solid introduction to the Internet and its features. Following the training, SO team leaders went through an action planning process, facilitated by Steven Dorsey, whereby several institutions were selected to meet with members of the training team. In these meetings, the institutions were encouraged to think through their information and communications strategies and to submit proposals to USAID/Accra for assistance in implementing those strategies and furthering their use of the Internet.
The training took place in the Lincoln Room of USAID/Accra February 10-14, from 9:00am to 4:00pm, on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, for the Strategic Obejctive teams 1, 3, 4,and 2, respectively. On Tuesday, the TDY team trained the EXO and Contract Office, the Controller's Office, the Warehouse, the Director's Office, and the Program Office in one- and two-hour sessions.
Due to the prior shut-down of USAID's Internet capabilities (January 23 - February 7), USAID/Accra had subscribed to two local Internet Service Providers, Network Computer Services and Africa Online, in anticipation of the training sessions. Though USAID VSAT capabilities were restored just prior to training, the ISP connection was used when VSAT connectivity proved slow. USAID/Accra technical staff were on-hand throughout the training sessions to assure best possible connectivity.
Approximately 130 participants attended the Internet training, in eight separate sessions, ranging from one hour to a full day. Participants included USAID staff (Direct Hires and Foreign Service Nationals), and development partner institution representatives. Also present on separate days were representatives from each of Ghana's Internet Service Providers: Africa Online, Network Computer Services and Electromod.
The Internet for Development: Applications and Training sessions began with a slide-show presentation which provided a description and history of the Internet. Six hours of hands-on Internet use followed, including an introduction to basic Netscape features, search engines and searching the Web, and browsing sector-specific sites. Trainers were available throughout the day to provide individualized assistance and to answer any questions. Materials and resource identification were tailored to the interests of each Strategic Objective team and its partners.
In the afternoons, ESDS representative Heather Crawford, in Accra on a CDIE-funded TDY, provided optional statistical support and information to USAID mission staff and individuals from development partner institutions. She was able to give several individuals/organizations recent data from various international sources, an introduction to statistical databases, and relevant Internet sites. She also created a CD-ROM of several databases, a user's guide, and a web page of statistical resources available online which will be available to Mission staff.
At the end of each training period the trainees were brought together for a brain-storming session as a precursor to creating an Action Plan for ways the Internet could benefit their organizations. In general, the participants were excited about the training and the prospect of using the Internet as a resource. They were quickly able to see how it could benefit their organizations, and were already thinking of ways to incorporate it into their work. With respect to obtaining the Internet, cost was the main barrier: the cost of the ISP fees, the phone bills, the hardware, the software, and the extra phone line. A lack of infrastructure was also a hindrance, as there is a long wait for phone lines in Ghana.
Hardcopy materials were provided to participants, tailored to their interests and needs. Sector-specific annotated site lists compiled by the Africa Bureau Information Center (ABIC) staff and Anne Langhaug's compilation of development sites were essential in introducing participants to resources prior to their learning searching techniques.
Supplemental hand-outs were provided, including Ghana-specific sites, other guides, site lists, and a glossary. Laura Brodrick, USAID/Accra Leland Coordinator, provided information on local ISPs and approximate costs for Internet services.
Not all mission staff have Netscape on their computers, and in some cases it is apparent that there is a lack of awareness on the part of the mission staff of the resources available on the Internet. It is recommended that Laura Brodrick continue to host brown bag Internet training sessions every Friday for mission staff who are interested, and that she continue a more proactive approach as well, sending out a weekly "Web Pick of the Week" via e-mail containing hints about the Internet, interesting sites and other Internet tools and applications.
It is evident from the attendance at the workshops, the questions asked, and the eagerness of the participants, that the Mission staff and their SO teams' development partners are very enthusiastic about the Internet. Feedback on the training reflected this, through comments that the training needed to be longer to allow for a more in-depth understanding of the Internet, that there should be follow-up sessions, and that there was a lot of information to digest in a single day. The limited number of terminals and the sometimes slow connection caused some frustration, as did the variety of computer skill levels in each group. Those with limited knowledge requested that there be an "Introduction to the Computer" session before the Internet training.
At the Action Planning meeting on Tuesday, February 18, Steven Dorsey guided the attending SO team leaders to focus on one or two development partner organizations whose work would benefit from the use of the Internet. Organizations were selected based on their importance for the SO team; the resulting selection is an update to the SO3 assessment conducted in May 1996. The following three days, Amy Oggel and Zoey Breslar visited the following organizations:
These institutions--having determined the role of information access and communication in conjunction with their objectives--will submit proposals outlining their reasoning, implementation plan, and budget for sustainable, effective Internet use. Upon receiving proposals from the above institutions, the Leland Coordinator will review them, and forward them to mission staff for approval and funding dispersement. Summaries of the meetings follow the chart.
Organization SO team Status Goal Next Steps
CEDEP 4 currently using faster submit proposal
email intra/interinstitut
ional
communication,
better information
retrieval,
advertising
FAGE 1 recent Internet better use, ensure KENROB
connection searching provides
training
FIDA 4 not using the better information submit proposal
Internet retrieval,
international
networking
GUNSA 3 not using Internet assist in regional submit proposal
information
sharing strategy
-- adolescent
health
HealthNet 3 providing email information submit proposal
services broker, awareness
building; work
with MOH to
improve their info
strategy
PEF 1 recent Internet better use; submit proposal
connection provide
service/intro to
member
organizations
University 3 providing email become an Internet equipment
of Legon services service provider installation
WAEN 1 full Internet upgrade website, resubmit
connection train coordinator proposal
and members
While meeting with these organizations, the Leland team members introduced the Internet and the Leland Initiative and provided a brief outline of points to include in a proposal to USAID should the organization decide that the Internet would be beneficial. Following are notes on the meetings.
CEDEP--Centre for the Development of People
Emelia Arthur, Project Assistant - Development Education Unit
Kwabena Antwi-Boasiako, Finance Officer
Petrina Owusu, Secretary
P.O. Box 5061
Kumasi
tel: (051) 26026, (051) 24581
fax: (051) 26026
Interviewed: Friday, February 21; Amy Oggel
CEDEP is a non-governmental organization based in Kumasi. Established in 1983, the aim of CEDEP is to support the initiative of community-spirited individuals and groups in the development of their communities. The principles which underpin their approach are equality, mutual respect and cooperation. They facilitate and respond to the needs of their partners in such a way as to enable them to devise ways of fulfilling their aspirations and become more organized, effective and productive in the collective development of Ghana.
CEDEP has several projects:
CEDEP was not invited to the training, and therefore requested a brief description/demonstration of the Internet and an explanation of the Leland Initiative before discussing CEDEP's structure, clients, and the programs in which it is involved. CEDEP has already considered the Internet as a possible next step in the growth of its organization, as they currently have e-mail via HealthNet, and use this to communicate with their office in Wa, but the turnaround time is two days. Since obtaining the Internet was already a possibility for CEDEP, they had already given some thought as to how it could benefit them, especially with respect to enhancing communications (with their office in Wa and with other NGOs both in Ghana and internationally), to advertising their publications on-line, and to its use as a research/resource tool (CEDEP maintains a library which is open to the public).
CEDEP has worked closely with USAID and other international aid organizations. They were excited about the possibility of assistance in obtaining the Internet, and are a strong candidate as they are computer literate and already have several computers, currently use email, are an umbrella organization, and would be able to share Internet use with the public.
FAGE--Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters
Gaddiel D. Quansah, Executive Secretary
Augustine Adongo, Administrative/Services Officer
P.O. Box M124
Accra
tel: 232554
fax: 232726
Interviewed: Thursday, February 20; Amy Oggel
FAGE has had an Internet connection since December 15, but have had no formal training. Although they had been invited to the USAID training, they were genuinely disappointed that they had not been able to attend. Their Internet connection was bought as a "package" of services from KENROB for $40,000, which included the design of a Web page and an on-site trainer to help them learn to navigate the Internet. Mr. Adongo mentioned that this trainer had not done much to foster at least his learning, and he was frustrated that, apart from having an address of a site, it seemed impossible to find any information on the Internet.
FAGE has Windows95 software with the Microsoft Explorer browser on one computer. Since they had not been able to attend the training, they were interested in learning how to search the Internet, and participated in a brief session on searching. From observing the KENROB representative and the FAGE employee, it was evident that familiarity with Microsoft Explorer and searching was lacking on the part of both.
Overall, FAGE was very enthusiastic about the Internet, and although it was new to the organization, they had already had clients come in to look for information on it. With FAGE, the Leland Initiative should focus on training and expanding the ways the Internet can be used to the advantage of the organization. The Executive Secretary was very supportive and interested in the use of the Internet and in obtaining further training on how to use it.
FIDA - International Federation of Women Lawyers
Rebecca B. Osei-Boateng, Administrator
Elizabeth Solomon, Member
Victoria Ade, Member
H/No. E214/3
3rd Ringway
Ringway Estate
Osu R.E.
P.O. Box 16502
Accra - North
tel: 225479
fax: 223387
Interviewed: Thursday, February 20; Zoey Breslar, Amy Oggel
Founded in 1974, Ghana's chapter of FIDA is active in reviewing Ghanaian laws and traditional practices to assure their promotion of the development and aspirations of women and children in the civil, educational and business fields. Their services include legal counseling (based in Accra, with a country-wide roaming service), civic education (country-wide), advocacy, training, and research.
Membership is comprised of 50 volunteer attorneys, working in the Attorney General's Department, banks, the judiciary, and private practices. The attorneys have a variety of backgrounds and expertise, and can therefore impact many aspects of Ghanaian law. Through their involvement with FIDA, they benefit from practicing throughout the country and gain an added appreciation for rural issues, making them better able to understand and influence national level decisions.
Their activities in civic education include discussions, seminars, and lectures with audiences throughout Ghana, the forum and content varying according to the audiences needs and interests. FIDA tasks itself with simplifying and translating Ghanaian local and international laws (including the UN charter and the African Charter for the Child) into most Ghanaian dialects. Training has included sessions for Queen Mothers, who are responsible for maintaining traditional cultural practices, and Parliamentarians needing to learn about advocacy for women's issues. Future activities include further training of Parliamentarians, with the assistance of other women's advocacy NGOs, to improve their lobbying techniques.
With assistance from USAID, FIDA's Internet connection would help them communicate more effectively with their members in Accra, as well as with other FIDA chapters world-wide. The World Wide Web would allow them to share experiences and resources with similar organizations around the world, research organizations, and potential funding sources. As an effective Internet end-user, FIDA will act as a model for other NGOs in Ghana, giving guidance and advice on the benefits of Internet connectivity.
GUNSA--Ghana United Nations Student Association
Clement Wiredu
Sena Akuffo
Ebenezer Malcolm
5th Floor, Bay One
State House
Accra
tel: 541641, 665461
e-mail: GUNSA@ug.gn.apc.org
GUNSA, the Ghana United Nations Student Association, promotes issues of sexual and reproductive health for youths on a regional level, drawing its members from the universities, other tertiary institutions and high schools. It organized the first African Youth Conference on Sexual Health held in Accra September 30-October 4, 1996, where it was decided that GUNSA organize the network of member NGOs.
The organization is currently working closely with USAID's Population, Health, and Nutrition Office/Accra to submit a proposal for funding. The assistance is required to set up a Web page and to obtain equipment for a listserv which will be available to all member NGOs.
HealthNet
Tony Williams
Danida Hssp
Private Mail
Box TUC Post Office
Accra
tel: 664285
Interviewed: Thursday, February 20; Zoey Breslar, Amy Oggel
As the current administrator for HealthNet in Ghana, Tony Williams submitted a proposal to expand on his current services to include information dissemination through a listserv with a health focus, work with the Ministry of Health to improve their information management, and awareness building about the Internet among targeted potential end-users.
By acting as an information broker for health organizations and creating a forum (listserv) for sharing information specific to Ghana and West Africa, Tony will provide a valuable service to organizations without full Internet connectivity. As another contact point, he will also develop a Web page promoting these activities.
Full Internet access at the Ministry of Health will enable the Ministry to expand their information resources, as well as more easily disseminate their findings and data. Internally, Tony will tailor databases to the Ministry's needs, for both data and personnel purposes.
Through a system of lending modems - with the option to buy - to researchers who need the Internet's resources, Tony will build awareness among middle managers, beginning with regional biostatisticians.
PEF - Private Enterprise Foundation
Kwasi Abeasi, Director General
28 Independence Avenue
P.O. Box C 1671
Cantonments - Accra
tel: 222313
fax: 231487
Interviewed: Friday, February 21; Zoey Breslar
The Private Enterprise Foundation is a non-profit, non-political institution, founded in January 1994. Its founding members include the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the Ghana National Chambre of Commerce (GNCC), the Ghana Employers Association (GEA), and the Federation Association of Ghana Exporters (FAGE). Membership is open to private businesses and trade associations, and more recently, the Ghana Association of Bankers (GAB) joined PEF.
PEF has three distinct functions: advocacy, promotion, and the establishment and management of the Accra Business Center. PEF is the principal channel of communication between private sector and the Government, responsible for developing national economic and business policy recommendations, and representing the interests of the private sector business community. It supports the development of the private sector as a whole, aiming to promote the long-term success and growth of the private sector in Ghana.
PEF also provides technical, managerial, marketing, and financial support to its member organizations. These support functions will be enhanced by the Accra Business Center providing to its membership enterprises state-of-the-art facilities for external communications, and services including trade and investment information, and conference and exhibition facilities.
PEF has recently become connected to the Internet through NCS, and has one connection in their library, and one each on the desks of the Program Officer and Director General. PEF will use its connection to promote Internet awareness among the business community, as well as pursue its mandate for advocacy and networking nationally and internationally.
Members of the Governing Council currently have a Wide Area Network in place, as well as effective mechanisms in place to receive feedback from member institutions. Though they promote their activities in person internationally while traveling with government officials, their Web page offers information and links to partner and member institutions. For further information dissemination, PEF hopes to establish business advisory centers with email connectivity in each region of Ghana.
University of Legon
Barfi-Adomako Owusu, Systems Administrator, barfi@ug.gh.apr.org
P.O. Box 24
Legon
tel: 30.23.47
mobile: (027) 54.16.29
Interviewed: Thursday, February 20; Zoey Breslar; Don Dickerson, Technical Advisor, PHN Office, USAID/Accra
Though Dr. Dakubu - the primary point person for this project - was traveling, we were able to get an update on the activities from Mr. Owusu.
The University of Legon's Internet connection is being funded by USAID's PIP (Population Impact Project), with the equipment due to arrive in March. The Project is also funding installation and bandwidth costs for one year. Tariffs and training have yet to be discussed. The University will hold Ghana's edu domain.
The University is under pressure to upgrade their FIDONET connection, as people have begun to use FTP (resulting in much higher phone bills), and subscribers are requesting Web connectivity. The University currently has 120 email subscribers, and is supporting other universities' connections as well.
The University has an impressive Web page which is ready to be posted as soon as there is full Internet access, and is preparing a computer center holding 14 computers, with another holding 12 nearby. Services will be offered to University affiliates for �000/month, and non-affiliates for �,000/month.
WAEN - West Africa Enterprise Network
Tina Ababio, Administrative Director
Korantema Adi-Dako, Trade Information Coordinator
c/o Databank Financial Services Group
SSNIT Tower Block, 5th floor
Private Mail Bag, Ministries Post Office
Accra
tel: 780186, 234007
fax: 234007, 669100 (also present were Michel Courcelle, Paris; Ken Ofori-Atta, Accra;
Abdoulaye NDiaye, Dakar; Jean Baptiste Amichia, Abidjan; Deborah Orsini, Washington)
Interviewed: Sunday, February 8; Barbara Keating
WAEN is a non-governmental organization established in 1993, with headquarters in Accra. Membership consists of over 300 business men and women from twelve anglophone and francophone countries in the West African subregion. WAEN's mission is to improve the business climate in WAEN member countries and promote crossborder trade and investment in West Africa.
Currently, WAEN is in the process of developing information products available electronically that they can provide to their members and to other businesses looking for opportunities in West Africa. The ability to provide solid business leads and accurate information will help them establish themselves and give them credibility as a solid business organization.
WAEN submitted a proposal to USAID on February 11, 1997, for assistance in several areas: the modification and updating of their current Web site; the training of a Regional Trade Information Coordinator in the United States on currently available data from other sources; the purchase of a more powerful computer; and the training of WAEN member firms on the Internet and relevant software applications for the promotion of their businesses.
USAID approved the overall proposal and made budget revision recommendations, which WAEN will consider before resubmitting the proposal.
Upon completion of the training and visits to organizations, the TDY team prepared a plan of action for the Leland Initiative SO 3 for submission to the Ministry of Transport and Communications within three months of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. The plan of action outlines the institutions with which USAID/Ghana has selected to work to date, and the activities that the USAID cooperation might entail. Some of these activities include training for better information dissemination and retrieval strategies using the Internet, web page development, and installation of internal communications systems.
Leland Links
USAID Links
[Home] | [About] | [What's New?]
| [Phones] | [Missions] | [Employment] | [Search]