An X user, @StatsGH has raised concerns over the cost associated with the distribution of free tablets to students in second cycle institutions by the government.
Per reports, the SM1 tablet, which is to be provided to the students, is a mobile computing device designed and manufactured by the Ghanaian technology company, Incas Diagnostic Services Limited.
It is alleged that government is charging $250 for the use of the tablet. @Stats who made the claim questioned why it should cost the country that much when Amazon is charging less than half of the amount being charged.
“Amazon fire is more robust and quality than Government’s SM1 tablet. Yet, Amazon retrials at $131 and Ghana Government is billing us for $250. WHY?” StatsGH wrote.
Several netizens reacted, noting that it is not strange that it cost government that much.
A user, @JABoasiako wrote, “Each tablet is programmed with offline textbooks, lesson notes, past questions and other research materials to make learning easy which comes at a cost exclusive if the tablet’s price.”
Per reports, the tablets to be distributed to students have four-inch screen, four gigabytes of RAM, and a battery life of seven to eight hours, along with a solar-based battery pack.
The tablets are water-resistant and equipped with a quad-core 2 processor.
The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) signed a loan agreement in the amount of USD 15 million to KA Technologies Ghana Limited. The signing ceremony took place on September 11, 2023, at the Bank’s Headquarters in Lomé, Togolese Republic.
The purpose of the facility is to finance the procurement, assembly, and distribution of tablet computers to students in high schools and Institutions for Technical and Vocational Education and Training across Ghana.
The project is part of efforts by the Government of Ghana to mainstream ITC in the country’s educational system to promote computerisation and industrialisation and, improve the livelihoods of its citizens.