Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Computer skills and access to the internet have now become an integral part of everyday life in the globally competitive world as computers are essentially used in almost everything. Information, Communication and Technology is not well developed in the district. The district has internet cafés owned and managed by private individuals in some communities especially the peri- urban towns. The low level of ICT in the district is a drawback in the use of ICT as a tool for development.

At Obuasi East District Assembly, most of the staff uses MTN, TIGO and Vodafone modems to access the internet at work place. ICT infrastructure is generally located in the urban areas of the district. The district also enjoys the services of all the communication service providers in Ghana (MTN, TIGO, VODAFONE and AIRTEL). This implies that access to information communication facilities, particularly in urban areas is high hence the need to extend and improve the ICT situation in the peripheral communities.

Schools in the District do not have adequate ICT facilities to train students in ICT skills. Telecommunication services such as Vodafone mobile, MTN, TIGO and Airtel are all available at almost every corner of the district. Internet facility is also available at Tutuka, Wawasi, Akaporiso, Boete, Bossman etc. The district receives broadcasts from all the major television stations in the country, thus GTV, Metro TV, TV 3 and TV Africa. Most of the communities also have information centers to disseminate information to the local people of the district.

At the moment, there are few ICT Centres owned and managed by private individuals to train the youth in ICT in the district. This calls for urgent need for ICT infrastructures in the district to train the youth in modern ICT skills. There is the need for the district assembly to build ICTs centers in the major towns in the district to promote effective communication and technology.

Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)

Science involves the investigation and experimentation in order to widen peoples’ understanding of the natural world. Technology involves the application of scientific knowledge to practical talks in commerce, industry etc.

The district application of Science and Technology is seen in most sectors of the economy. For example, the Agriculture Department in the district train Agric Extension Agents and farmers on modern farming practices and technology such as improved varieties on maize and cassava, training on animal improvement technologies, education of poultry and livestock farmers on the identification of sick animals and the use of veterinary. The health directorate also uses modern health equipment in health delivery in the district. The impact of technology on the society and the district at large has helped improved health delivery, agriculture, education etc.

In Obuasi East district, mobile phones, radio/information centers, television are means of communication as compared to the traditional method of gong gong drums, the use of computers and laptops at offices as compared to the old type writers

In spite of the above, the level of Science and Technology in the district is constraint with the following:

· Lack of capital makes it difficult for some individuals and institutions to adopt the modern technology for development.

· Lack of modern technical skills.

 · Lack of research, development and creativity