The ministry of communication has launched the Digital economy policy.
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During the launch of the policy at the ministry of information, the minister of Communication, Honorable Ursula Owusu outlined numerous benefits of the policy.
The honorable minister said the policy “is to ensure equal access to broadband internet connectivity throughout the country.
She also noted that additional policies have been implemented in that past to complement this major one.
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The minister said “we have implemented policies to ensure every communications user has equal access to public and private digital services regardless of the service provider”.
“Even though many digital initiatives have been implemented ahead of this digital policy, this policy will help consolidate the gains made and chart the course for the future” she said.
Speaking about the timeliness of the release of this policy, the minister said that it was not just timely but essential for addressing the new realities of digital transformation the government was pursuing.
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She added “we are pursing. to harness technology to drive economic growth to create sustainable jobs and improve service delivery to citizens”.
The minister said the policy seeks to address five broad areas that seek to unlock the full potential of the digital economy:
- Universal access and connectivity
- Digital government
- Digital skills and research
- Digital entrepreneurship
- Data and emerging technologies
Policy Implementation
Speaking on the implementation process, the minister espoused that there would be rigorous implementation strategies that would ensure no one is left behind. She further outlined how beneficial the policy would be to various sectors.
She said, “there would be significant improvement in areas such are job creation, entrepreneurship and public service delivery…digital economy will contribute meaningfully to the GDP growth”.
Talking about the fast pace of technology, the minster for communication said “rapid pace of technological growth calls for a new approach to regulation, one that is adaptive, agile and collaborative”.
She also said cross sector collaboration will be key in the implementation process.
She also noted that private sector partnership will be key to the policy implementation.
Challenges
during the launch, the minister also did not dismiss the downside of technology. “She also gave the possible solution for the challenges she outlined. “Digital technologies however come with its own challenges : mobile fraud, abuse, attacks, misinformation, disinformation etc. These challenges can be mitigated through awareness campaign and knowledge sharing through audio visuals in local dialects”.
Conclusion
In showing gratitude to organizations that played a crucial role in designing the policy, the minister said “We extend our gratitude to the world bank for their unwavering support of the digital economy policy”
She also thanked the “Toni Blair Institute For Global Change” for their support.
Last but not least, the extended appreciation to all staff of the ministry of communication and digitalization. change
She concluded by saying “The ministry’s aim is to position Ghana as the leader in Africa’s digital future…we will be the digital hub for the future”.
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