(Ecofin Agency) - The government of Ghana has integrated 13 universities into its free Wi-Fi project since November 20. The project was officially inaugurated by the Vice President of the Republic, Mahamudu Bawumia.

The beneficiaries include the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Cape Coast, University of Education, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), and University of Professional Studies (UPSA).

The Regional Maritime University, Ghana Technology University College (GTUC), Ghana Institute of Journalism, Ghana Institute of Languages and National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), will also benefit from the project.

Soon, the Sunyani University of Energy and Natural Resources, the University of Development Studies in Tamale, and public technical universities and nursing schools will also be connected to this wireless network.

The Wi-Fi network was built by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), which uses 650 kilometers of its fiber-optic network. The company has collaborated on this project with the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), and Northern Electricity Distribution Company Limited (NEDCo). It cost $11 million.

After connecting public universities to free Wi-Fi, the Ghanaian government plans to connect 722 public high schools and 46 colleges. According to the vice president, the connected environment that will be made available to all learners across the country will stimulate curiosity and learning that will accelerate development.