An ICT mast being worked on at Bunso
DOW IS supporting an information and communication infrastructure pilot to reach approximately 50,000 people at Nsutem, Eastern Ghana, to support improved internet and data communications connectivity.
Dow’s support will help enable the construction of a renewable energy biomass power facility which will generate sustainable incomes for thousands of smallholder farmers locally.
Through its local grantee, the Okyeman Environment Foundation (OEF), Dow has enabled the construction of a WiFi network inclusive of hardware, software and deployment of technology to support two base stations and 18 hotspots to create an information and communication infrastructure pilot covering a collective area of about a 15-kilometre radius within surrounding communities of the biomass power facility.
The infrastructure allows approximately 50,000 people to connect to a WiFi network permitting affordable data communications and internet access.
The project is a grantee of the Dow Business Impact Fund, which has been identifying and funding new projects around the globe that hold the potential to create significant social impact since 2016.
“Access to modern, cleaner energy is essential to human development. For Ghana, and indeed the world over, affordable energy decreases poverty and improves quality of life, be it for jobs, security, climate change, food production or increasing incomes,” said Adwoa Coleman, Country Manager, Dow Ghana and Africa Sustainability & Advocacy Manager, Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics.
A 40-megawatt biomass power plant is planned to be constructed in Nsutem, Ghana. The project has been sponsored by Village Corps and a Power Africa grant by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and has been advanced through the commitment and support of Dow Supports Communication Infrastructure, connecting 50,000 people in West Ghana, the Akyem Abuakwa Kingdom and the Okyeman Environment Foundation.
With the information and communication technologies (ICT) infrastructure installed and operational, community members can have affordable data connectivity and will be trained on how to use their phones to benefit from various software solutions to help enable skills development and access to valuable information in areas such as primary education, farming and healthcare,” said Norman Beaulieu, founder of Village Corps.
A business desk report