ICT expert expresses concern over theft of softwares

Mr Prince Pkasra, an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) expert, has expressed concerns over how people were using stolen Softwares.

A computer software or software is that part of a computer system that consists of data or computer instructions, in contrast to the physical hardware from which the system is built.

Mr Pkasra, who is also the Manager, Power City Network (PCN) Limited, said it was a criminal offence to steal software.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra during the opening of a three-day ICT workshop Open Source Graphic Design training centre, Mr Pkasra explained it was important to introduce students to an open source tool that would allow them to do their graphics at every level.

An open source is a computer software programme that performs a specific task, in which the code used in producing that particular software, is made available for anyone to edit and as well work with it.

The workshop, which was organised by PCN sought to empower participants, especially the youth to sharpen their design skills through the use of appropriate ICT tools.

Mr Pkasra said participants would be enlightened on ICT, particularly how they could make money with the opportunities available.

“ICT is taking over the world and if you are not well informed; the jobs would be available, but you will be unemployable,” he said.

Mr Pkasra noted that in Ghana students, lacked training in ICT; adding that most of the ICT institutions were theory based.

He said however, PCN’s aim is to get students to the laboratory and make sure they utilize the knowledge acquired.

Mr Abdulrahman Sarumi, the Managing Partner of PCN also told the Ghana News Agency that the training also aims at building their practical skills to enhance their employability.

He said there were lots of ICT training institutions in the country, and in his interactions with students, his observation shows that after completing their courses, these students were not able to utilize the practical aspect of what they had learnt.

Mr Sarumi said his outfit was therefore, committed in bridging the gap between theory and practical; stating that “at the end of this training I expect students to be able to give practical solutions to solve issues”.

In his presentation, Nana Kwadwo Duah, Principal and Creative Director of Oxygen, encouraged and tasked participants to understand that their role as designers was not about decoration, but rather a role to solve design problems.

He said there was a need for graphic designers to add value to their skills, to be able to position themselves as sales men for the job market.

The PCN Group offers professional IT programme for practicing IT professionals in the courses; Cisco Certified Network Associate, Computer Network , Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), System Administration (linux), Mobile Apps Development, among others.

Its mission is to provide a relevant and current Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training for industry professionals and students aspiring to be ICT professionals.