Ghana’s drive toward a knowledge-based innovation-led economy gained momentum as the Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, officially launched the Centre for Innovation Technology Skills and Entrepreneurship Training (CITSETT) at the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU).
Delivering the keynote address at the launch, Sukparu reaffirmed the Ministry’s “unwavering commitment to supporting GCTU’s vision of becoming a leading regional innovation hub.” He described the initiative as “lighting a big hope for students, innovators, the ecosystem, and the entire nation,” noting that it represents more than infrastructure, it symbolizes Ghana’s determination to nurture talent, drive innovation, commercialize ideas, and compete globally.
The Deputy Minister announced that the Ministry is backing three key priorities identified by GCTU’s management, enhancing the University’s digital infrastructure, establishing a state-of-the-art cybersecurity laboratory, and advancing the innovation agenda.
He pledged continued Ministry support through investments in fiber connectivity, access to data centers, campus Wi-Fi, and cloud infrastructure, explaining that these efforts will align national digital backbone planning with institutional developments. Sukparu said the goal is to make GCTU “a shining example of digital transformation on campus.”
Highlighting the growing importance of cybersecurity, the Deputy Minister stressed the urgency of GCTU’s proposal for a cutting-edge cybersecurity laboratory. He said the facility would offer practical training in digital forensics, ethical hacking, penetration testing, threat intelligence, and real-world cyberattack simulations, enabling students to gain job-ready skills while strengthening Ghana’s national cyber defense capacity.
Sukparu also praised GCTU’s ambition to replicate a “Silicon Valley model” within Ghana, describing it as a visionary effort to position the country as a regional hub for technology and innovation.
To ensure CITSETT’s sustainability, he outlined four strategic measures:
- Prioritizing infrastructure and cybersecurity support in the Ministry’s budget.
- Fostering collaborations between GCTU and national digital initiatives.
- Leveraging programmes such as GDAP for capacity building and institutional readiness.
- Implementing a sustainability plan to maintain the Centre’s long-term viability.
The launch of CITSETT marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to bridge the digital skills gap and build a resilient innovation ecosystem capable of driving economic transformation and global competitiveness.
