The Ambassador said, China has no strings attached in providing digital TV access saying they operate by principles such as " No interference in African country's internal affairs", "No imposition of their will on African countries" and "No attachment of political strings to Africa".

He added that 1000s of locals are expected to benefit from the project, describing it as another giant step to help local people access national and international programs in 300 communities which will increase their awareness and knowledge to improve their welfare.

He hoped the  project will be a window for Ghanaians in remote areas to have access to the outside world and also help students to learn. Mr Shi Tin Wan said that China and Ghana have enjoyed profound friendship with China as a leading source of investments in companies such as Africa World Airlines and many more. He emphasised that China respects Africa.

The Minister for Communications, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, said that the project  will provide access to digitisation. She said the project is a way to further enhance Ghana's long standing bilateral relationship with China. "Within the last decade, we have experienced an exponential growth in the adoption of digital technologies across the globe" she said.

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful said that this adoption has transformed every aspect of

our lives and the technological transfer of knowledge across borders as a

result of globalisation has boosted innovation and productivity among

others. This has created a range of oppourtunities in rural and undeserved

communities. "StarTimes TV provides educational and informational channels

which will be beneficial to the communities " she added.

She mentioned that despite the presence of other digital satellite providers  in Ghana, they have been beyond the reach of various communities due to the cost of access. She said the project will provide jobs and skills training.  She encouraged other TV satellite providers to  focus  on rural areas as part of their corporate social responsibilities stating that government will support them to extend their reach.

The Minister for Information designate , Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said that the project will make it easier for those who cannot afford it to have access to digital tv satellite. He added that the project is not exclusive to StarTimes and encouraged others to step forward to promote digital access.

He urged the beneficiary communities to take good care of the equipements The Chief Operating Officer for StarTimes Ghana, Mr Felix Ahozo said that the project launch offers opportunitiesfor China and Ghana to chart  a path to deepen their relationship. He said Ghana has been selected as a beneficiary that will allow StarTimes offer free 300 satellite  TV sets. He

said the project will see about 6000 decoders being deployed, 600 projector TVs, 900 solar lights, 300 TV sets  all at no cost. Each community will receive 20 decoders installed in selected homes with projector TVs and  back up solar lights. There will be 20 channels on the

decoder with some showing African content mostly on Ghana’s Adepa TV.

Headmistress of the Akweibu School, Madam Agartha expressed gratitude to the Minister of Communication and the Chinese Government. She said that the facility will benefit many and improve teaching standards. She said that it will be a source of information and also provide the platform for research.

Also present at the launch were the Deputy Ministers of Communication; Hon George Andah and Vincent Sowah Odotei, Directors of Education, MCEs, representatives from UNAID, various Chiefs, staff of StarTimes and the media.