Accra: Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, launched Ghana’s Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, a significant move aimed at guiding the country’s technological advancement and consolidating existing gains. The policy is designed to leverage digital technologies to foster economic growth, improve public service delivery, and ensure equitable access to digital resources.
According to Ghana News Agency, during a media briefing in Accra, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful emphasized the transformative power of digitalisation for the national economy, asserting that access to digital technologies and services should be recognized as a human right rather than a privilege. A key achievement highlighted was the expansion of a high-speed e-Government network connecting 951 public institutions through 3,500 kilometers of fiber optic cables laid in 2023, a milestone in bridging the digital divide.
The Minister outlined the Government’s commitment to creating a digitally inclusive future, ensur
ing that all Ghanaians benefit from digital era opportunities. The policy focuses on five key areas: entrepreneurship, digital skills, digital government, universal access, and emerging technologies, aimed at deepening Ghana’s economic base. Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful expressed confidence that the policy, if fully implemented, would drive inclusive growth and open opportunities for individuals and companies.
Furthermore, the strategy aims to address Ghana’s present and future needs by aligning digital efforts with job creation and GDP growth. This alignment is expected to make technology a powerful tool for inclusive development, poverty alleviation, and enhancing prosperity for all citizens. The Minister expressed optimism about seeing significant progress in entrepreneurship and efficient public service delivery through digital technologies.
Acknowledging the support of partners like the World Bank and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, the Minister called for greater collaboration across various sectors
to address connectivity gaps. She also stressed the need for adaptive regulation to foster innovation while protecting citizens from risks such as fraud and misinformation, positioning Ghana as a leader in Africa’s digital future.