afrol News, 11 May - The Ghanaian government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the interconnection of the fibre optic networks with Burkina Faso to enhance Telecommunications and Information Communication Technology between the two west African neighbours.

The Ghanaian communications minister has said the signing of the MOU is in line with the commitment of ECOWAS member states to foster economic integration.

Minister Harunah Iddrisu and his Burkinabe counterpart Noel Kabore, affirmed their commitment in ensuring the interconnection between the two countries and to enhance cooperation and economic development.

The meeting in Tamale in the northern region also considered the report of some technical experts from the two countries who jointly undertook site visits to assess the practical feasibility of interconnecting their fibre optic networks and the possible time frame for the interconnection.

Local reports said the ministers also agreed to foster their fraternal relations in the areas of economic integration.

Reports further stated that due to the terrain challenges to enhance network, the ministers agreed to focus on the alternative routes from Ghana to Burkina Faso for easier and smooth connection.

The ministers further agreed that the Burkinabe telecom operator, ONATEL should as a matter of urgency extend its optic fibre connection and to accelerate its plan to construct optic fibre from Ouagadougou to connect with Ghana.

Ghana and Burkina Faso also declared their determination to prioritise their optic fibre development plans to achieve interconnection by 2010.

The move also aimed at demonstrating the two countries' commitment to the decisions taken by the World Summit on the Information Society and the summit on Connect Africa which urges governments around the globe to develop broadband linkages connecting the main towns and capitals of Africa by the year 2012.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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