Ghana Launches Digital Economy Policy to Drive National Transformation

The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has officially launched Ghana’s Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, marking a pivotal step in the country’s technological advancement journey.

The policy aims to leverage digital technologies to foster economic growth, improve public services, and ensure equitable access to digital resources.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra last week Thursday,Owusu-Ekuful underscored the transformative power of Digitalisation, emphasizing that access to digital technologies and services is no longer a luxury for the privileged few but a human right for all.

She also described the policy, which focuses on digital entrepreneurship as a transformative moment in the nation’s push towards a technologically inclusive future.

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution presents both opportunities and challenges. This strategy ensures we harness technology to create sustainable jobs and improve service delivery”, she said

The Minister highlighted the expansion of a high-speed eGovernment network connecting 951 public institutions, backed by 3,500 kilometers of fiber optic cables laid in 2023, as a key milestone in bridging the digital divide.

She further noted that the Government was laying the groundwork for a digitally inclusive future, ensuring that every Ghanaian benefits from the opportunities of the digital age.

She specified five key areas of focus: entrepreneurship, digital skills, digital government, universal access, and emerging technologies, which are intended to strengthen Ghana’s economic base, promote an ecosystem in which technology drives inclusive growth, and open doors for both individuals and companies.

Additionally, she mentioned that the Government’s strategy to leverage digital technologies was to address Ghana’s economy’s present and future needs. By aligning digital efforts with job creation and GDP growth, the policy aims to ensure that technology becomes a powerful engine for inclusive development, reducing poverty and enhancing prosperity for all Ghanaians.

“Through digital technologies, we are confident of seeing significant progress in entrepreneurship and public service efficiency,” she said.The launch also recognized the support of key partners, including the World Bank and the Tony Blair Institute.

The Minister appealed for greater collaboration across sectors, emphasizing that private-sector investment was essential for addressing connectivity gaps.

The communications minister emphasized that Ghana’s digital agenda aims to ensure equal access to broadband internet connectivity throughout the country.

“The Government has implemented policies to ensure every communications user has equal access to public and private digital services, regardless of their service provider”, she added.

The Minister reiterated the need for adaptive regulation to foster innovation while protecting citizens from risks like fraud and misinformation as Ghana positions itself as a leader in Africa’s digital future.“This is our roadmap to securing a prosperous digital future for all Ghanaians,” she concluded.

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