By Gloria Anderson
The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, says Ghana is determined to lead the charge in Africa’s digital future with significant progress the country has made since adopting the ICT for Accelerated Development (ICT4AD) policy in 2003, citing key initiatives such as the Digital Ghana Agenda and the expansion of broadband infrastructure.
Addressing a gathering of key stakeholders from government, private sector and academia in Accra on Thursday, Hon. Owusu-Ekuful emphasized that access to digital technologies is no longer a luxury but a fundamental human right.
“Digital technologies have transformed the world, and Ghana is determined to lead the charge in Africa’s digital future,” she stated. “With 3,500 kilometers of fiber optic cables connecting 951 public institutions and the recent launch of the Ghana.gov platform and Citizens App, we are laying the foundation for a resilient, inclusive digital economy,” she underscored.
She made these remarks at the launch of Ghana’s Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (GDEP), a comprehensive framework aimed at harnessing the power of technology for economic growth, job creation, and improved public service delivery.
According to her, the GDEP represents a significant step in Ghana’s pursuit of becoming a leader in Africa’s digital transformation, promising to create a more connected, inclusive, and innovative society.
“This document is our roadmap to a digital future where every Ghanaian can benefit from the opportunities technology presents. Together, we can make this vision a reality,” she opined.
Hon. Owusu-Ekuful acknowledged the challenges posed by rapid digital transformation, including cybersecurity risks, misinformation, and digital exclusion.
However, she stressed that Ghana is prepared to address these issues through innovative regulation and comprehensive public awareness campaigns.
“Cross-sector collaboration will be key,” she emphasized. “We cannot achieve our digital transformation goals without private sector support and development partner funding. Together, we can close the connectivity gap and create a thriving digital ecosystem.”
The GDEP is designed to address five key pillars including Universal Access and Connectivity, Digital Government, Digital Skills and Research, Digital Entrepreneurship, and Data & Emerging Technologies.
The strategy also includes aggressive timelines and ambitious goals to ensure no Ghanaian is left behind in the digital age.
Support for the GDEP has been bolstered by contributions from international bodies, including the World Bank and the Tony Blair Institute, as well as extensive collaboration among stakeholders.
