The National Information Technology Agency (NITA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization (MoCD) have commenced activites to mark the National ICT Week celebrations with a focus on the theme : “Driving Digital Transformation”.
The one-week event being held at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Center of Excellence in ICT, brought together policy makers, innovators, acadamia, industry players in Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) as well as Students and investors to deliberate and discuss the importance of collaboration and partnerships in driving Ghana’s digital progress.
The Chief Director of the MoCD, Mr. Alexander Yaw Arphul, who officially opened the the session on behalf of the Sector Minister, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful (MP), underscored that in an increasingly connected world, digital inclusion was more than just a goal; it is a necessity. It represents our commitment to ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of their background or location, could benefit from the opportunities that digital technologies offer.
He said digital inclusion was about bridging the divide, eliminating barriers, and creating an equitable digital landscape where everyone has a chance to thrive, hence, the celebration of the National ICT Week was important and a step in the right direction to accelerating national development.
“As policymakers, we have a critical role to play in advancing digital inclusion. Our policies must be comprehensive, addressing the various dimensions of digital inclusion and ensuring that no one is left behind. In this regard, the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation has undertaken several key initiatives that demonstrate our commitment to this cause”, he indicated.
Mr. Yaw Arphul also stated that, “In 2003, the ICT For Accelerated Development Policy was approved for implementation. Under the 14 pillars of this policy, all aspects of the Ghanaian economy were influenced by this policy to ensure that we incorporate ICTs in the functions of various sectors. After 21 years of implementation, we have seen that the world has moved towards the 4th Industrial Revolution which requires that we digitalize many of the services that we offer to the public to enhance efficiency and easy access. The ICT4AD policy does not meet the needs of today so we have developed the Ghana Digital Economy Policy and Strategy with approval from Cabinet for implementation”.
He highlighted that the ICT4AD had 5 policy pillars, namely, Universal Access and Connectivity; Digital Skills and Research; Digital Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Digital Government and Data and Emerging Technologies.
The Director General of NITA, Mr. Richard Okyere-Fosu, explained that, this year’s National ICT Week was not just a celebration but a reflection of the strides made in harnessing the power of Information and Communication Technology to propel Ghana forward.
Mr. Okyere-Fosu said that the initiative also aims to foster growth, create employment opportunities, and drive public-private partnership to enhance efficiency, transparency and accountability in government operations.
He reiterated that ICT has become the backbone of modern economies, and Ghana was no exception.
From e-governance initiatives to digital financial services, and from educational platforms to healthcare innovations, digital transformation is driving growth, enhancing efficiency, and improving the quality of life for all Ghanaians.
“ICT Week serves as a cornerstone for our collective efforts toward digital transformation. It allows us to assess our progress, celebrate our successes, and confront the challenges that lie ahead. This week acts as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and the exchange of knowledge, ensuring that we are all aligned in our mission to make Ghana a leader in the digital world. Our unity strengthens the foundation of our digital economy, paving the way for a future where technology drives meaningful progress, sustainable development, and prosperity for all”, he added.
According to him, NITA was instrumental in driving the sustainable growth of IT through strategic research, development, and technology acquisition. “Our efforts are geared towards achieving Ghana’s vision of becoming a technology-driven, knowledge-based economy, as outlined in the e-Ghana project. This initiative aims to foster growth, create employment opportunities, and leverage ICT and public-private partnerships to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in government operations”.
Presentaions by Stakeholders
The opening ceremony also received presentations from key stakeholders including Madam Abena Nyamesem, Lawyer and Head of Sustainability and Partnership, GIFEC. She outlined GIFEC ‘s efforts to expand digital infrastructure and provide connectivity to underserved areas, highlighting the critical role of their initiatives in bridging the digital divide.
Madam Esther Akua Gyamfi, Esq. a representative from the disability community, discussed the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing digital services. She called for more inclusive digital solutions and better accessibility features to ensure that everyone benefits from Ghana’s digital advancements.
The Ghana.gov representative, Kwesi Afful also presented on their platform’s impact, illustrating how it simplifies interactions with government services. He provided insights into the platform’s features and its role in enhancing public service delivery.
Mr. Michael Kwablah, Chief Technology Officer from Digital Ascend discussed their contributions to improving digital infrastructure in Ghana.
Daily Events Overview
Day 1: Digital Inclusion
Day 2: Capacity Building
Day 3: Digital Trust
Day 4: Innovation
Day 5: Evening Cocktail
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
