Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang Opens 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum in Accra
Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has officially opened the 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF), calling for stronger collaboration among governments, technology companies, civil society and other stakeholders to ensure that digital technologies serve the public good.
The Vice President declared the forum open on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, welcoming representatives of the African Union Commission, the United Nations, Smart Africa, members of the judiciary and diplomatic corps, the private sector, academia, civil society and development partners.
The gathering brings together stakeholders from across the continent to deliberate on issues relating to internet governance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, data protection and the responsible use of emerging technologies.
Welcoming participants to Ghana, Prpf. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang encouraged international delegates visiting the country for the first time to return, while commending performers who entertained guests during the opening ceremony.
She said Ghana's hosting of the forum was particularly significant given the country's historical contribution to the global internet governance process under the leadership of former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
According to her, the global Internet Governance Forum emerged from the recognition that governments alone could not effectively govern the internet, making the participation of technology developers, regulators and people affected by digital policies essential.
She noted that the principles underpinning the global internet governance framework had become even more relevant as digital technologies increasingly influence commerce, education, public administration, individual freedoms and economic opportunities.
The Vice President also referenced the outcome of the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society and the Global Digital Compact, which reaffirmed the international community's commitment to closing the digital divide, protecting rights and ensuring emerging technologies serve the public interest.
She stressed that digital inclusion must go beyond expanding internet coverage to address affordability, accessibility, digital safety and the skills required for people to benefit from technological advancement.
Prof. Jane Opoku-Agyemang highlighted Ghana's ongoing digital transformation initiatives, including the One Million Coders Programme and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy launched by President Mahama earlier this year.
She said the government was extending digital skills training to young people, while partnerships with universities were helping integrate the programme into established educational institutions.
Prof. Jane Opoku-Agyemang, however, stressed that acquiring digital skills must translate into employment, entrepreneurship and opportunities for young people to apply their knowledge productively.
She further called for deliberate attention to the needs of children, women, rural communities and persons with disabilities in shaping Africa's digital future.
Dr Opoku-Agyemang urged participants to use the forum to engage in meaningful discussions on cybersecurity, data governance, digital sovereignty, artificial intelligence and environmental sustainability.
She maintained that Africa's digital sovereignty should not mean withdrawing from the interconnected global economy but developing the knowledge, technical capabilities and institutional strength to make independent choices.
The Vice President subsequently declared the 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum officially open on behalf of President Mahama and the Government of Ghana.
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