Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, says universal connectivity must be treated as a development necessity rather than a luxury, insisting that meaningful access to digital services is critical to inclusive growth and sustainable development in the 21st century.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) held in New York, Sam George assured Ghana’s commitment to ensuring the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
According to him, Ghana’s national digitalisation drive, coupled with huge investments in fibre infrasturcture has opened internet connectivity to rural and hitherto hard-to-reach areas.
“Guided by the WSIS Action Lines, Ghana has implemented a comprehensive national digitalisation agenda. Significant investments in fibre infrastructure, expanded 4G coverage, and the deployment of rural telephony sites have extended meaningful connectivity to previously unserved citizens. These efforts reflect our conviction that universal access is fundamental to sustainable development.”
Sam George also touted Ghana’s achievements in the digital space, declaring that the country is ready for collaboration with partners to develop the space further.
“Ghana continues to advance digital public infrastructure, including the Ghana.Gov platform, the Ghana Electronic Procurement system, the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System, the National Health Information Exchange, and the Ghana Health Information Management system. These initiatives promote efficiency, transparency, and equitable access to public services.”
On digital trust and emerging technologies, the Minister said Ghana has strengthened its legislation governing cybersecurity and data protection frameworks.
“To foster trust in the digital ecosystem, Ghana has strengthened its cybersecurity and data protection frameworks and operationalised national and sectoral Computer Emergency Response Teams. We are modernising legislation governing the digital economy. We have equally adopted a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy to guide the ethical and responsible use of AI across Government. We are developing frameworks to deal with mis(dis)information whilst respecting the rights of free speech online.”
“Digital inclusion remains a central pillar of our efforts. Through nationwide digital literacy campaigns, Community Information Centres, the One Million Coders Programme, and the Girls in ICT initiative, Ghana is expanding digital skills and empowering women, youth, and underserved communities to participate effectively in the digital economy,” he stated.
As the WSIS process enters its next phase, Sam George also called for stronger international cooperation, urging the global community to “strengthen commitments to universal connectivity, robust digital public infrastructure, equitable AI governance, and increased capacity-building support for developing countries,” such as Ghana.
“Under the leadership of His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana stands ready to collaborate with Member States, the private sector, civil society and development partners to build an inclusive, secure, and sustainable digital future, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the aspirations of all peoples,” he stressed.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
