The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) through the Universal Access Fund (UAF) has signed a memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with K-NET Limited, Ghana (with a subsidiary in Liberia) for the implementation of a ‘Proof of Concept’ for the LIBERIA RURAL TELEPHONY PROJECTS to be deployed in Parluken, Forpoh District in Grand Kru County and in Gbankagboquiota, Belle District, Gbarpolu County.

After a procurement and negotiation process which spanned over a two month period, the instrument was finalized and signed on November 5, 2019.  Hon. Israel M. Akinsanya, Commissioner, Government, Consumer Affairs and Universal Access (LTA) signed on behalf of the Liberia Delegation while Tech-Businessman Richard Hlomador, CEO K-NET Limited, Ghana signed on behalf of the company.

According to the tentative project milestones, the ‘Proof of Concept’ is expected to commence in December 2019.

Commissioner Akinsanya described the signing of the MOU as a dawn of a new day in the lives of the disadvantaged Liberians living in rural areas who find themselves on the negative side of the Digital Divide. He further asserted that ‘the ICT sector is a sector which cuts across every facet of our country, and this intervention seeks to accomplish amongst other things the expansion of the mobile communications sector and the provision of ICT platforms in the unserved and underserved areas particularly in rural Liberia.’

Also speaking about the introduction of the new cutting edge technology, the LTA Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Hon. Ivan Brown intimated that the technology when successfully implemented will spur economic growth and ensure that government revenue is enhanced. He also described the venture as a legacy project not only for the LTA but for the country at large.

On his part, the Founder and Technical Director of K-Net, Mr. Richard Hlomador affirmed that Team K-Net will ensure that the ‘Proof of Concept’ phase is delivered with highest standards. He also extolled the President of Liberia, ‘His Excellence Pres. George Manneh Weah has demonstrated visionary leadership by insisting on the delivery of this project for the people of Liberia.’ He thanked the Liberian team for choosing K-Net as the service provider and made a commitment that his team will adhere to the dictates of the MOU and the timelines that have been set.

K-NET Limited is a Ghana tech-company that facilitated the implementation of Ghana’s digital Migration program and is also implementing Ghana Rural Telephony Projects for the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC).

Signed:   Hon.Israel M. Akinsanya

Commissioner of Government, Consumer Affairs and Universal Access