The Ghana Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023 kicked off last Friday with esteemed attendees from various sectors, coming together to shape Ghana’s internet ecosystem for growth and prosperity.
Organized by the Ghana Domain Name Registry (GDNR) and its supporting team, the forum aims to foster policy discussions and highlight essential themes that will drive the nation’s internet landscape forward.
The event is under the theme ‘Building a Sustainable Digital Future.’
The Internet has revolutionized global communication since its inception in the 1970s, integrating various capabilities like telephony, radio, and telegraph through services such as email, instant messaging, and voice and video conversations.
In Ghana, the Internet has played a crucial role in enhancing public and private services, enabling initiatives like E-Immigration, E-Passports, E-Procurement, and E-Judiciary, making lives easier and better for Ghanaians.
Recognizing the need to secure the Internet’s continued expansion, the United Nations and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) established the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in 2006, following the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in 2003.
The IGF serves as an inclusive and multi-stakeholder platform to exchange knowledge, address policy concerns, and raise emerging internet issues with relevant entities.
Since becoming an ITU member, Ghana has actively participated in the global information society movement, hosting several local IGF events in 2006, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
The government recognizes the significance of collaborative engagement with stakeholders, including civil society, businesses, internet service providers, academia, and the general public, to ensure the successful implementation of digital initiatives.
The National Information Technology Agency (NITA), the government’s ICT arm, is dedicated to providing an enabling environment through sound policies and regulatory frameworks.
Highlighting the importance of digital inclusion and bridging the digital divide, Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) has been actively extending communication services to underserved and remote areas.
GIFEC’s initiatives, such as community information centers, digital inclusion programs, and capacity-building efforts, empower citizens with digital skills, fostering an inclusive and sustainable digital future.
To enhance the design and development of world-class ICTs, the government established the Advanced Information Technology Institute – Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence (AITI-KACE).
AITI-KACE coordinates and oversees ICT and E-Governance systems, conducts research and innovation, and provides capacity building and consultancy services, contributing to accelerated national development.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) plays a vital role in regulating and overseeing the communications sector in Ghana.
It ensures fair competition, promotes consumer rights, and fosters a conducive environment for investment, innovation, and the provision of reliable and affordable communication services.
Recognizing the need for a safe internet space, the Cybersecurity Act 2020 was passed to protect Ghana’s Critical Information Infrastructure, regulate cybersecurity operations, ensure the safety of minors online, and strengthen Ghana’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
The establishment of the Ghana Domain Name Registry (GDNR) under the leadership of the current administration has been a significant step in managing the country’s .GH domain.
As the appointed manager of the .GH domain name registry, GDNR actively engages the Local Internet Community (LIC) in policy formulation through events like the Ghana IGF.
The transition of registry operations from the current operator to the GDNR is currently underway, marking a crucial milestone for the registry’s full operational capacity.
In her opening address, Minister for Communications and Digitalization Ursula Owusu-Ekuful emphasized the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for internet usage and urged the internet community to support their efforts for the benefit of all, especially consumers.
She encouraged active participation, suggestions, and collaborations to enhance internet usage and empower Ghana’s digital economy.
The Ghana IGF 2023 agenda covers various topics, including broadband expansion, connectivity challenges, artificial intelligence and machine learning in universities, sustainable community networks, digital literacy inclusivity, children’s internet forum, domain names, e-commerce, and universal acceptance.
The Ghana Internet Governance Forum 2023 promises to be an impactful event, fostering dialogue, shaping policies, and setting the stage for a sustainable and thriving digital future in Ghana.