Accra, April 29, GNA - A report launched by the Ghana Information Network for Knowledge Sharing (GINKS), an Information and Communication Technology-oriented organization, on internet connectivity and energy in the country indicates that majority of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are located in Accra. "(Only) a few service providers have presence in one or two regional capitals and mining communities across the country," said Mr Jonnie Akakpo, GINKS Board Chairman. In a presentation to the media on the findings on Wednesday, he noted that electricity supply was critical to provision of Internet facilities. He said Ghana had an electricity supply deficiency following long periods of erratic rainfall, which caused the hydro plant that generated the bulk of the country's energy requirement reduce supply. The Report was under the theme: "Rural Access: Options and Challenges for Connectivity and Energy in Ghana." He noted that although renewable energy sources such as solar energy, wind and biomass were not well known and had not been exploited, they could be considered potential sources to supplement hydropower generation.

The report bemoaned the low level of energy supply and Internet connectivity in the rural areas and praised the Chinese Government and the World Bank for the provision of funding support to facilitate the extension of fibre optic network throughout the country. "This funding will also help address the energy shortfalls in the country which will give room for a better future for the country," he added.

Mr Akakpo promised development in the ICT landscape in a few years to come adding that the Report was intended to provide some insights into critical issues of internet connectivity options, internet applications that could be deployed, chargeable rates and opportunities for strategic partnerships.