
A significant milestone in Ghana’s technological development has been reached with the official launch of the country’s Digital Economy Policy and Strategy by Minister for Communications and Digitalization Ursula Owusu-Ekuful.
The goal of the policy is to use digital technologies to promote economic expansion, enhance public services, and guarantee that everyone has access to digital resources.
Hon. Owusu-Ekuful emphasized the transformative power of digitalization, stressing that everyone has the human right to access digital technologies and services, making them no longer a luxury for the wealthy and powerful.
As a significant step in closing the digital divide, she emphasized the development of a high-speed eGovernment network that connects 951 public institutions and is supported by 3,500 kilometers of fiber optic cables installed in 2023.
She added that in order to guarantee that every Ghanaian takes advantage of the opportunities presented by the digital era, the government is establishing the framework for a future that is inclusive of all people.
In order to strengthen Ghana’s economy, foster an ecosystem where technology drives inclusive growth, and create opportunities for both individuals and businesses, she identifies five main areas of focus: entrepreneurship, digital skills, digital government, universal access, and emerging technologies.
The Minister added that the government’s plan to use digital technologies is to meet the needs of Ghana’s economy both now and in the future.
The policy seeks to guarantee that technology becomes a potent engine for inclusive development, lowering poverty and boosting prosperity for all Ghanaians by coordinating digital initiatives with GDP growth and job creation.
“Through digital technologies, we are confident of seeing significant progress in entrepreneurship and public service efficiency,” she said.
The World Bank and the Tony Blair Institute were among the important partners whose support was acknowledged at the launch. The Minister urged increased cross-sector cooperation, stressing the importance of private sector investment in closing connectivity gaps.
As Ghana positions itself as a leader in Africa’s digital future, the Minister reaffirmed the need for adaptive regulation to promote innovation while shielding citizens from threats like fraud and disinformation.
“This is our roadmap to securing a prosperous digital future for all Ghanaians,” she concluded.