New Digital Economy Policy Launched by Ghana to Boost Inclusive Growth

Ghana is rapidly advancing towards becoming a key player in the global digital economy, recognizing the transformative power of technology in bridging societal gaps and fostering new opportunities. In a significant step toward achieving this vision, the government of Ghana has launched its Digital Economy Policy, aimed at transforming the country into a regional digital hub. This ambitious policy seeks to leverage digital technologies to drive inclusive economic growth, enhance public service delivery, and position Ghana as a leader in digital innovation within Africa and beyond.

At a recent press briefing in Accra, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, highlighted the critical role that technology plays in shaping the future of nations. She pointed out that technological advancement is not just an opportunity but an essential factor in Ghana’s future prosperity. According to the Minister, the world is experiencing an unprecedented pace of technological change, and Ghana must keep up to avoid being left behind. She emphasized that the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is reshaping the global economy, presents both challenges and opportunities, requiring bold, forward-thinking solutions to ensure Ghana can capitalize on the digital transformation sweeping across the world.

One of the key principles underpinning the Digital Economy Policy is that access to digital technologies and services is no longer a luxury or a privilege for a select few, but a fundamental human right that must be available to all, regardless of social status or geographical location. This is a transformative shift in perspective, recognizing that the digital age offers an unprecedented opportunity for inclusivity, allowing people from all walks of life to benefit from technological advancements. Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful reinforced this message, noting that the government is committed to ensuring that every Ghanaian can access and harness the benefits of digital technologies.

Ghana’s journey toward digital transformation began over two decades ago with the adoption of the ICT for Accelerated Development (ICT4AD) policy in 2003. This forward-thinking initiative laid the groundwork for the digital infrastructure that the country is building on today. Over the years, substantial investments have been made in expanding ICT infrastructure, and these efforts have culminated in the completion of 3,500 kilometers of fiber optic cables across the country. This infrastructure has created a resilient national backbone, providing high-speed internet connectivity to 951 public institutions, as well as reaching even the most remote communities. This broadband expansion is vital for enabling innovation, improving access to education, and fostering digital literacy, and it serves as the foundation upon which Ghana’s digital economy can flourish.

In addition to expanding connectivity, Ghana has introduced digital platforms like Ghana.gov and the Citizens App, which have revolutionized the way citizens access government services. These platforms have streamlined processes, reduced bureaucratic inefficiencies, and improved overall government service delivery, making public services more accessible, transparent, and accountable. The launch of these platforms represents a significant shift towards e-governance, and they are already having a tangible impact on the daily lives of Ghanaians.

Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful emphasized that the Digital Economy Policy is more than just a set of guidelines—it is a strategic blueprint for Ghana’s future. The policy focuses on several key areas that are crucial for achieving a successful digital transformation. These include expanding internet connectivity across the country, fostering digital skills through targeted education and training initiatives, promoting entrepreneurship in the tech sector, and leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data. By focusing on these areas, the policy aims to position Ghana as a leader in Africa’s digital landscape while ensuring that all Ghanaians, regardless of their background, have equal access to the opportunities created by digitalization.

While the benefits of digitalization are immense, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful also acknowledged that challenges must be addressed to ensure the digital economy’s success. These challenges include cyber fraud, the spread of misinformation, and gaps in digital literacy. To mitigate these risks, the government plans to launch public awareness campaigns aimed at educating citizens about digital security and safety. This is crucial to ensure that Ghanaians can confidently navigate the digital age without falling victim to cybercrime or misinformation. The government also intends to focus on strengthening digital literacy, ensuring that every citizen has the skills necessary to take full advantage of the opportunities the digital economy offers.

In shaping the Digital Economy Policy, the government of Ghana has worked closely with key development partners such as the World Bank and the Tony Blair Institute. Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful highlighted the importance of these partnerships and emphasized that the successful implementation of the policy will require the combined efforts of government, the private sector, academia, and civil society. She called for a collective approach to building a robust digital economy that benefits all Ghanaians, stating that “together, we can build a digital economy that benefits every Ghanaian and secures a prosperous future for our country.”

The Minister concluded her remarks by reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that Ghana remains at the forefront of Africa’s digital future. She noted that the digital sector holds the key to the country’s economic transformation and is central to achieving the nation’s long-term goals. The Digital Economy Policy is designed to unlock the full potential of technology, drive economic growth, and position Ghana as a leader in the global digital economy.

With this bold step forward, Ghana is not just embracing the digital age but actively shaping its future within it. The Digital Economy Policy promises to create a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous society, where technology empowers every citizen to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. As Ghana continues on this path, the country is poised to lead the way in Africa’s digital transformation, ensuring that it remains competitive in the global digital economy.