GDAP program intact, ignore irresponsible fake news – Sam George

The Minister for Communication and Digitalization, Sam George, says the Ghanaian public should ignore the fake news on the $200 million Ghana Digital Acceleration Project (GDAP).

This follows news reports by some pro-New Patriotic Party news portals that the World Bank-funded projects, a $200 million Tree Crops Diversification Project and another $200 million Ghana Digital Acceleration Project (GDAP), have been suspended.

According to the report, the alleged suspension was due to the dismissal of key personnel by the new government.

Responding to the report, Sam George disclosed that the World Bank has not withdrawn any funds for the GDAP program.

“I have seen this fake news making the rounds. It is nothing but desperate, irresponsible fake news. The World Bank has NOT withdrawn any funds for the GDAP program.

“In the coming days, some interesting revelations would be made on the previous activities under the program”, the Minister tweeted.

However, the World Bank has also clarified that there are no suspended projects in Ghana, dispelling rumors and speculation about the status of its funded projects in the country.

In a statement, the bank categorically stated, “No projects in the World Bank-financed portfolio in Ghana are currently suspended.”

According to the World Bank’s website, Ghana has been working to stabilize its economy after facing fiscal challenges, including high inflation and a depreciating currency.

The government has been working with international institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to get financial support and policy guidance.

The World Bank’s statement is crucial for Ghana’s economic recovery efforts. It helps to remove uncertainty and ensures that development projects continue without disruption. This is important for maintaining public confidence and attracting foreign investment.

The Tree Crops Diversification Project aims to enhance economic, climate, and social resilience in the cocoa, coconut, cashew, and rubber value chains.

The GDAP initiative, on the other hand, is designed to expand broadband access, improve digital public services, and strengthen Ghana’s digital innovation ecosystem to drive job creation and economic growth.