Accra, Jan. 8, GNA - The Internet Society, Ghana Chapter (ISOC Ghana= ), is to institute an Information Communication Technology (ICT) training programme for Journalists in the country to equip them with knowledge on internet systems. Mr Eric Akumiah, the outgoing General Secretary of ISOC Ghana, said since most journalists did not know much about the internet their reportage on issues relating to information technology was rather inadequate. The Society made the observation at the Annual Social Gathering which also served as an awards night for deserving executives in Accra on Saturday.

Mr Akumiah said the Society had put in place a strategic plan to provide reliable information about the internet to the general public through publications. He said the organisation was also dedicated to ensuring the open development, evolution and use of the internet for the benefit of people throughout the world.

"We provide leadership in addressing issues confronting the future o= f the internet in the world, particularly Ghana," he added. He announced that the Society was planning an awards scheme for player= s in the industry to promote excellence and competition. Mr William Tevie, Director General of the National Information Technology Agency, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said his outfit was implementing effectively the e-governance project to connect all government agencies onto the net.

He added that schools, hospitals and police stations in all the region= s would be enrolled onto the project by the end of the year for them to improve on their services. He said Ghana was collaborating with countries like Senegal and Nigeri= a to introduce the 93Regional Educational Net", a system that would enhanc= e the sharing of educational information among them.

Mr Tevie also noted that with the aid of the Ghana Academy of Research Network, 10 Universities in the country were being connected to be able to share research information as and when the need arose. Nii Quaynor, Chairman of ISOC Ghana, said in the past ICT development was slow because there were no structures and policies to monitor its operation, and thanked policy makers for instituting the requisite policies now. He urged members to encourage people to develop more in the area of IC= T and also appealed to fellow experts to come together and address the issue of internet fraud.

The Society inaugurated its new executives who would serve a two-year term and also awarded deserving members. The ISOC is a non-profit organisation which provides leadership in internet related standards, education and policy formation in the ICT industry.