The Ministry of Education has refuted allegations of service delivery failures and the misappropriation of public funds linked to the Wi-Fi for Schools Programme.
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A report by The Fourth Estate raised concerns about the Ministry’s payment of GH¢56 million to internet service provider Busy Internet, now Lifted Logistics Limited, despite reported connectivity issues in some schools.
According to the report, several schools participating in the government’s Wi-Fi for Schools Programme experienced prolonged periods without internet connectivity, despite payments made for the service.
However, in a press release, the Ministry dismissed the claims made by The Fourth Estate, labeling them as inaccurate and misleading.
The Ministry clarified that the Wi-Fi for Schools Programme, initiated in 2019, aimed to enhance internet connectivity across Senior High Schools, Colleges of Education, and educational offices nationwide, with the goal of improving learning, administrative efficiency, and research capabilities.
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Addressing the contract signed in 2019, the Ministry highlighted that an upward review of monthly recurring costs was approved by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), capped at an amount not exceeding GH₵11,522,661.81 in 2023 due to inflation and foreign exchange rate fluctuations.
Despite the approved monthly expenditure, the Ministry clarified that payments are only made for accessible dedicated internet, with downtime not exceeding half of a particular month exempt from payment.
To ensure transparency, a Validation Committee established by the Minister for Education vets all invoices before payments are made to the vendor. For example, despite an invoice of GH¢6,498,827.90 submitted in February 2024, the Ministry paid GH¢3,637,569.20 after thorough vetting.
The Ministry emphasized its commitment to ensuring efficient service delivery and the prudent use of public funds in all its initiatives, including the Wi-Fi for Schools Programme.
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