- Established in 2010, GARNET is a not-for-profit organisation connecting over 100 academic and research institutions across Ghana.
- Services include high-speed internet connectivity, Eduroam access, video conferencing, and federated identity management, fostering collaboration within Ghana and globally.
A Vision for a Connected Academic Future
The Ghanaian Academic and Research Network (GARNET) was officially incorporated on August 24, 2010, following years of consultations and workshops aimed at integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into higher education.
GARNET is the national Research and Education Network (NREN) for Ghana and is recognized by the West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN). Its goal is to create and run top-notch network infrastructure and services that connect all Ghanaian research and education communities, facilitating research, teaching, and learning in both public and private higher education institutions.
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Services and Infrastructure
GARNET offers a range of services to its member institutions, including:
- Internet Connectivity: Providing high-speed, reliable, and affordable internet access to institutions across Ghana.
- Eduroam: Enabling secure, worldwide roaming access to the internet for students and staff.
- Video Conferencing: Facilitating virtual meetings and collaborations.
- Federated Identity Management: Streamlining access to digital resources and services.
- Technical Skills Development: Offering training to enhance the ICT capabilities of member institutions.
These services are designed to promote research collaboration among researchers and educators locally and internationally.
Governance and Leadership
A well-known player in Ghana’s ICT industry, Professor Nii Narku Quaynor, chairs the 10-member board that oversees GARNET. All Ghanaian tertiary institutions with accreditation are welcome to join, including teaching hospitals, libraries, and research and educational establishments.
Recent Developments and Challenges
GARNET’s network expansion has advanced significantly in recent years. Notably, the organization added 69 new connections to its high-speed network in 2023 as part of the World Bank-funded eTransform Project, bringing its total number of sites connected to over 100.
But there have been difficulties along the way. Stakeholder cooperation and ongoing investment are necessary for the development and upkeep of a strong digital infrastructure. GARNET’s yearly conferences and workshops that focus on these issues demonstrate the organization’s continuous efforts to improve digital scholarly infrastructure.
