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Infrastructure Limitations
•Electricity production is below local demand. To address this problem, Ghana-based BusyInternet, the largest technology incubator in Africa, installed a backup generator and a huge battery. The company also installed a transformer to deal with the power supply that can fluctuate between 240-290 Volts.
•Despite these limitations, Affiliated Computer Services, Data Management International Inc, Rising Data Solutions, Global Response and other U.S. firms operating in Ghana have all recorded an average of 50% increase in revenues and profits. Other U.S. companies, including Cincom Systems, Inc. (OverC), a call center and Convergys Corp. are taking steps to build offices in Ghana.
•Alcatel (China) has signed an $80 million dollar contract with Ghana Telecom (GT), the biggest telecom operator in Ghana, to upgrade and expand its telecom network across the nation.
•The West Africa Gas Pipeline Project, promoted by Chevron and Shell Petroleum, is expected to be completed in June 2005 which will deliver gas from Escarvo region in Nigeria to Takoradi Thermal Plant to augment Ghana’s shortfall in power supply.
Electricity and Telecom Network