The World Bank has slashed by half funds it allocated to Ghana Post for the modernization of 50 post offices under the e-transform project.
Slashing of the money from 3.5 million dollars to 1.7 million dollars according to the Communications Ministry, was due to a decision made by the bank to modernize Ghana post in 2 phases for the e-services projects.
Ghana Post is one of the beneficiary state companies to receive funding from the World Bank under government’s e-transform project to revamp its operations electronically by 2020.
Following the slashing of the money, only 25 post offices will be refurbished which will include the acquisition of computers and computer accessories to provide e-services in the first phase.
“When the World Bank gives you money you need to justify it. The justification for the 50 post offices was inconclusive hence the bank decided for want of funds for other projects like connectivity etc, it will provide a revamp of 25 post offices in the first phase and the rest will be executed in the second phase.” Sandra Frimpong, Communications Specialist at the Ministry of Communication explained to Citi Business News.
Other beneficiary state institutions under the e-transform project include the Ghana Procurement Authority, the Meteorology Department, the Judicial Service and Parliamentary service.
“They agreed then that instead of the proposed 50 post offices initially, 25 were in good shape so let’s concentrate on the other 25 that needed the modernization and look at the others in the next stage” said Sandra Frimpong.
The e-transform projects is an initiative by government with funding from the World Bank.
The Communications Ministry believes the World Bank funded e-transform project will help boost the operations of the company.
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By: Nana Oye Ankrah/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana