The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has expressed Ghana’s commitment to leading Africa’s digital future, highlighting the substantial progress made since the adoption of the ICT for Accelerated Development (ICT4AD) policy in 2003.
She pointed to notable initiatives such as the Digital Ghana Agenda and the expansion of broadband infrastructure as key milestones.
Speaking at an event in Accra on Thursday attended by government officials, private sector representatives, and academics, Hon. Owusu-Ekuful stressed that access to digital technology is now an essential human right, not just a luxury.
“Digital technologies have transformed the world, and Ghana is committed to driving Africa’s digital future,” she said. “With 3,500 kilometers of fiber optic cables linking 951 public institutions and the recent launch of the Ghana.gov platform and Citizens App, we are building a resilient and inclusive digital economy,” she added.
Her comments came during the launch of Ghana’s Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (GDEP), a strategic framework designed to leverage technology for economic growth, job creation, and enhanced public service delivery.
Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful noted that the GDEP marks a pivotal move in Ghana’s ambition to lead Africa’s digital transformation, aiming to build a more connected, inclusive, and innovative society.
“This document outlines our path to a digital future where every Ghanaian can harness the benefits of technology. Together, we can turn this vision into reality,” she said.
She also acknowledged the challenges posed by rapid digital advancement, such as cybersecurity threats, misinformation, and digital exclusion. However, she emphasized that Ghana is ready to tackle these issues through innovative regulations and widespread public awareness initiatives.
“Collaboration across sectors will be essential,” she said. “We cannot achieve our digital transformation goals without the support of the private sector and funding from development partners. By working together, we can bridge the connectivity gap and build a robust digital ecosystem.”
The GDEP focuses on five strategic pillars: Universal Access and Connectivity, Digital Government, Digital Skills and Research, Digital Entrepreneurship, and Data & Emerging Technologies. The strategy sets ambitious timelines and targets to ensure that no Ghanaian is excluded from the benefits of the digital age.
International organizations, including the World Bank and the Tony Blair Institute, have expressed their support for the GDEP, which has also seen extensive collaboration among various stakeholders.
