The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Honourable Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has called for inclusive digital growth as she launched Ghana’s Digital Economy and Strategy in Accra.
The policy is designed to leverage digital technologies to drive economic growth, improve public services, and promote equitable access to digital resources nationwide.
Addressing the media, Hon. Owusu-Ekuful highlighted the transformative potential of the policy, particularly its focus on digital entrepreneurship.
She described it as a pivotal step in Ghana’s journey toward 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 stated.
The minister underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring equal access to broadband internet connectivity across the country, irrespective of location or service provider.
“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 said.
Key initiatives under the policy include the Ghana.gov portal, which integrates public services onto a single platform, and the Citizens App, allowing access to these services via smartphones. These tools aim to enhance efficiency, transparency, and trust in governance.
“These tools demonstrate how digitalisation can improve lives and build trust in governance,” Hon. Owusu-Ekuful noted.
Acknowledging the challenges that come with digitalisation, including mobile fraud, cyberattacks, and misinformation, the minister stressed the importance of public awareness.
“To combat these, the policy includes plans for public awareness campaigns using local dialects. Being aware is being empowered,” she stated.
Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful pointed out that the strategy builds on gains made in digital infrastructure to unlock opportunities in critical sectors like education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.
“Together, we can build a digital economy that benefits every Ghanaian,” she affirmed.
The Ghana Digital Economy and Strategy represents a comprehensive plan to harness the potential of digital technologies for national development. It aligns with the government’s broader agenda to create a robust, inclusive, and resilient digital economy that leaves no Ghanaian behind.