Minister for Communications and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has emphasized the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for Internet usage.
During her keynote address at the Ghana Internet Governance Forum (GIF) 2023 in Accra on Friday, July 7, 2023, she highlighted the transformative power of the Internet and its significant impact on the computer and communications industries.
Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful noted that the internet has revolutionized global communication since its inception in the 1970s, allowing for the integration of various capabilities like telephone, radio, and telegraph through services such as email, instant messaging, and voice and video conversations.
She highlighted Ghana’s active internet usage, crediting its availability nationwide for facilitating the implementation of essential government digital initiatives. Services such as E-Immigration, E-Passports, E-Procurement, and E-Judiciary have become accessible, making the lives of Ghanaians easier and better.
As a member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Ghana has actively participated in the global information society movement, hosting local IGF events since 2006.
The Minister emphasized the importance of collaborative engagement with stakeholders such as civil society, businesses, internet service providers, academia, and the general public for the successful implementation of the government’s digital agenda.
She highlighted the role of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), the ICT arm of the government, in providing an environment for effective ICT use by implementing sound policies and regulatory frameworks.
The minister assured that standardized and regulated systems would be in place to withstand attacks, and laws and guidelines would be formulated with inputs from the community to promote thriving businesses and provide consumers with value for money in the ICT industry.
Ursula Owusu disclosed the government’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusion through the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC).
The focus of GIFEC’s work is extending communication services to underserved and unserved areas, particularly in rural and remote regions of the country.
The minister emphasized initiatives such as community information centres, digital inclusion programs, and capacity-building efforts to empower citizens with digital skills and bridge the digital divide.
She said, “This will provide the platform to provide guidance on ensuring that systems are standardized and regulated to withstand attacks. The National Information Technology Agency (NITA), the ICT arm of the Government is mandated to provide an environment for the effective use of ICT by all sectors by implementing sound policies and regulatory frameworks.”
“In this digital economy era, the citizens need to be prepared to ensure a stable and reliable ecosystem with opportunities tapped by all. The laws and guidelines will be made with inputs from the community so that businesses will thrive and consumers receive value for money on products, solutions, and services rendered by the ICT industry.”
“Through its initiatives, such as the provision of community information centres, digital inclusion programs, and capacity-building efforts, GIFEC aims to empower citizens with digital skills and bridge the digital divide. We are dedicated to extending communication services to underserved and unserved areas, particularly in rural and remote regions of the country,” she added,
The Minister’s address at the Ghana Internet Governance Forum 203 highlighted the government’s determination to create a favourable environment for internet usage and ensure digital inclusion and connectivity for all Ghanaians.