The National Information Technology Agency (NITA) has hosted the maiden edition of the National ICT week 2024 celebration to harness the power of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to propel Ghana forward.
The one-week celebration which is on the theme ‘Driving Digital Transformation,’ seeks to provide a unique opportunity to showcase innovations, address challenges and foster collaborations that are vital for driving digital agenda forward.
The Director General of the NITA, Richard Okyere-Fosu said the week set for the National ICT is not just a celebration, but a reflection of the strides they have made in harnessing the power of ICT to move Ghana forward.
He explained that, ICT has become the backbone of modern technologies from e-governance initiatives to digital services and from educational platforms to healthcare innovations, adding that, digital transformation is driving growth, enhancing efficiency and improving the quality of the lives of all Ghanaians.
“The annual ICT week celebration is not merely a customary event, it is an essential platform that enables us to reflect on the advancements we have achieved and strategically plan for the future,” he said.
ICT week he said “allows us to assess our progress, celebrate our successes and confront the challenges that lie ahead.”
Mr. Okyere-Fosu said the week will act as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration and exchange of knowledge, “ensuring that we are all aligned in our mission to make Ghana a leader in the digital world,” he mentioned.
According to him, NITA plays a pivotal role in advancing the use of technology across the country adding that, their mandates involves identifying, promoting and developing innovative technologies as well as setting standards and implementing best practices among government agencies and local governments.
He emphasised that, digital inclusion, capacity building, digital trust conference and innovation are the key pillars to be discussed as “we progress through the ICT week.”
The Chief Director at the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation, Alexander Arphul emphasizing touched on digital inclusion from a policy perspective and indicated that it is about eliminating barriers and creating an equitable digital landscape where everyone will have the chance to thrive.
“As policymakers, we have a critical role to play in advancing digital inclusion and our policies must be comprehensive as well as addressing the various dimensions of digital inclusion and ensuring that no one is left behind,” he said.
He thus said they have developed the Ghana Digital Economy policy and strategy with approval from cabinet for implementations, citing the five policy pillars to be, universal access and connectivity, digital skills and research, digital entrepreneurship and innovation, digital government and data and emerging technologies.
By Janet Odei Amponsah