The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has described the official launch of Ghana's Digital Economy Policy and Strategy as a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey.
Addressing Journalists in Accra on Thursday, she highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancements and the transformative impact they have had on Ghana over the past decade.
“The Fourth Industrial Revolution is here, presenting both opportunities and challenges that require bold and forward-thinking solutions,” the Minister stated.
She emphasized that access to digital technologies and services is no longer a luxury but a fundamental human right that should be accessible to all, regardless of social or geographical disparities.
According to Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful, Ghana is committed to leveraging digitalization to bridge inequalities and enhance governance.
She underscored the government's efforts under the Digital Ghana Agenda, which aims to digitalize services across all sectors to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
The Minister expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his vision of a digitally transformed Ghana and acknowledged Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for spearheading key initiatives such as the Ghana Digital Address System, the Ghana Card, and the e-levy framework.
These projects, she noted, have revolutionized the country’s approach to digitalization.
“As a staunch advocate of people-centric digital initiatives, it has been my privilege to help implement policies that enhance the lives of Ghanaians. The Digital Economy Policy and Strategy will ensure we harness the benefits of digitalization for all,” she added.
The policy, launched in Accra, seeks to position Ghana as a leader in digital innovation in Africa while ensuring inclusivity in access to digital technologies and services.
The Minister also announced that even the most remote areas of Ghana now have access to reliable internet connectivity, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation agenda.
She highlighted the government's achievements in establishing a robust digital infrastructure.
"We have built a high-speed government network, connecting 951 public institutions across the country. This is powered by 3,500 kilometers of newly-laid fiber, providing a nationwide resilient 100 Gbps obstacle fiber infrastructure," she stated.
This expanded broadband access, completed in 2023 under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, ensures that Ghanaians, regardless of location, can benefit from digital innovations.
"This connectivity is the backbone of our digital economy, enabling businesses to thrive, students to learn, and citizens to connect," Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful added.
The Minister also highlighted advancements in e-governance, particularly the Ghana.gov platform.
This single portal provides access to a wide range of government services, improving efficiency and transparency. Additionally, the platform now includes a citizens' app, recently launched by Vice President Bawumia, allowing users to access public services directly from their mobile devices.
"These initiatives reflect our commitment to ensuring that digital services are accessible to all, eliminating the need for intermediaries and enhancing service delivery," she emphasized.
The Ghana Digital Economy Policy, developed with support from the World Bank and the Tony Blair Institute, is part of a broader strategy to position Ghana as a leader in Africa's digital revolution.
The Minister further emphasized the need for a balanced regulatory approach to ensure that innovation thrives while addressing potential risks in Ghana's rapidly advancing digital landscape.
She highlighted the transformative potential of digital technologies across key sectors such as job creation, entrepreneurship, and public service delivery.
She noted that these advancements have the capacity to contribute significantly to the country’s GDP growth.
“To achieve these milestones and ensure we leave no one behind, we must adopt a regulatory framework that is adaptive, agile, and collaborative. Regulation should focus on outcomes rather than the means, creating an environment where innovation can flourish while safeguarding against risks such as mobile fraud, abuse, misinformation, and cyberattacks,” Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful stated.
The Minister underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration, particularly as the boundaries between industries blur in the digital age.
She also called for increased private sector involvement to address connectivity gaps and ensure underserved and unserved communities are reached with digital services.
“Ghana lacks the resources to close the connectivity and service acquisition gap on its own. We need private sector partnerships and support from development partners to implement initiatives that will expand access to connectivity and services over the next four years and beyond,” she said.
Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful assured stakeholders that such collaborations would provide a strong platform for digital initiatives to thrive, benefiting all Ghanaians.
However, she cautioned that the rapid pace of technological change requires continuous vigilance to mitigate its challenges, ensuring a secure and inclusive digital environment.
The Ghana Digital Economy Policy reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging digitalization for economic growth while fostering innovation in a safe and supportive ecosystem.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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