[wsfii-discuss] NEWS from Ghana

[Jeff Buderer]

Marco,
 
My suggestion would be to use the summit as focus point to achieve just
what you mentioned a system and strategy to rapidly build that
infrastructure in a sustainable way.
 
Thus could you/we modify the below into a road map to provide a way
forward starting with the most modest and realistic step towards the
larger vision.
 
It also be helpful to know more about these cooperatives, what they do
and how they sustain themselves economically.
 
Jeff
 
-----Original Message-----
From: wsfii-discuss-bounces at lists.okfn.org
[mailto:wsfii-discuss-bounces at lists.okfn.org] On Behalf Of Marco Pompe
Sent: Sunday, July 15, 2007 8:44 AM
To: Discuss list on the World Summit on Free Information Infrastructure
Subject: [wsfii-discuss] NEWS from Ghana
 
Hi all,
I am in Ghana since 3 weeks and find it quite difficult to do something
about the tasks I have given myself, e.g. bridging the communication
gap. I have brought up that point at the last (my first) SOS meeting,
but we couldn?t really get to a point. U might guess that the problem is
not only be solved by a new communication tool or method (we at least
will find a way to get a bit closer), it needs affordable broadband
access to bring Ghanaians closer to the global community. As far as I
see the situation in Ghana many people are aware of the need of a
national and continental backbone, but have no idea who will invest.
They are referring to the ?emerging market? but how often they might say
it, the analysts will rather refer to the bare figures before an
investment of that extend will be proceeded.
The Ghanaian Government wants to set up a wireless backbone for the
ministries and governmental buildings throughout the country. Something
similar I am currently discussing with rooftop organization of the
Ghanaian co-operative movement. I believe that a national increase of
network access and ICT activity will be necessary before any bigger
investment is considerable. I am very committed to the co-ops getting
involved on that level, as they have the potential to do it, and also
because they are the ones to reach onto the bottom line of the society,
means they involve even the poorest in their organizations and companies
and give them the chance to participate.
Concerning WSFII Africa (2008?)? I believe it needs more dedicated
commitment by more WSFII members throughout the world alongside a
certain concept for the WSFII Africa. It will definitely not be a ?one
(or two) man show? as we have seen from the latest development, so we
will need some more shoulders. Also it will need a clear concept
embedded in long term strategy for the need of integration. If it is not
a single person providing a certain level of integration within a
network, a clear idea/concept will have to do that job. As I believe we
almost have that kind of idea/concept for WSFII Africa, it just has to
putted together (or even updated), and I suggest that somebody takes
advantage and works out a draft using the many sources available. Or
else I suggest to do that in the SOS preparatory group. What do u think?
Greatings from Nungua, Ghana, Marco P.
 

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