USAID-funded internet system to enhance efficiency in Ghana’s education sector

The Ghana Education Decentralisation Project (GEDP) on Tuesday launched an internet system aimed at helping to decentralise responsibilities and delegate authority and responsibilities from the Ghana Education Service (GES) to its 10 Regional Offices across the country.

The system sponsored by USAID would ensure the sharing of information between GES and its three autonomous bodies, National Inspectorate Board (NIB), National Teaching Council (NTC), and National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA).

Speaking at the launch of the network, Mr Charles Aheto-Tsegah, Deputy Director-General of GES, said the system which was known as Education Network (EDUNet) was available in 15 districts in the Central Region on pilot basis.

He said the system which could be used by the GES and its affiliate bodies could be used to send memos and official letters, official emails, organise internet conferences and meetings, fill and submit applications.

“The system can also be used to publish postings, transfers, study leave approvals, submit performance reports using simple templates and publish general institutional announcements.”

Mr Aheto-Tsegah, said as a form of security system, the network had been designed to carry some features that restricted access to only staff of the user institutions and had some internal security codes that guaranteed confidentiality in communication between management and user institutions.

Madam Cheryl Anderson, Mission Director, USAID Ghana, praised GEDP for developing the system as it would play a critical role in sustaining Ghana’s educational goals.

“EDUNet is an integral part of USAIDS’s effort to ensure results-oriented, efficient and accountable system of educational governance in Ghana for the achievement of the Education for All and Millennium Development Goals.”

She said the system would help address communication challenges that GES faced, particularly in remote Regions.

“No longer will information and directives have to be carried by hand from Accra out to distant Regions and provide Regional Educational Offices with full internet access.”

She called for the expansion of the system to all district educational head offices in the country for effective work and collaboration.

Mr Akwesi Addae-Boahene, Country Director, GEDP, praised the GES for taking steps to make the necessary budgetary provisions for the renewal of internet subscription under EDUNet which would expire in September 2012 under USAID’s sponsorship.

He said GES had recruited two network administrators to man the EDUNet server room at the GES Headquarters.

“We have organised a two –day training for 38 people to help manage the system in the 10 Regional Offices and 15 districts,” Mr Addae-Boahene added.

Source: GNA