The Deputy Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Mohammed Adam Sukparu, has urged Ghanaians to reduce their reliance on imported technologies and instead tap into local expertise to drive the country’s digital transformation.
He made the call at the launch of the African Marketing Confederation (AMC) and TICON Africa Annual Conference in Accra on Tuesday (20 August).
According to Sukparu, Ghana has the infrastructure and skilled human capital to develop homegrown technologies that will create jobs and strengthen the ICT sector.
“I think as a country we are ready. We have the human capital, which is very important in making sure that we create our own technologies that we consume here… It is time we stop consuming imported technologies and look within so that we can empower our own into ICT,” he said.
The deputy minister also highlighted President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to ICT growth, referencing the establishment of ICT centres across the country during his first term, as well as the ongoing One Million Coders initiative, which seeks to build the next generation of digital innovators.
He added that many of these ICT centres are already equipped with computers and can be leveraged to train young people—from basic to tertiary levels—in software development, app creation, and other digital solutions.
On policy reforms, Sukparu revealed that more than 50 electronic data and policy reviews are underway to strengthen Ghana’s digital ecosystem, including new cybersecurity laws.
He further disclosed that amendments are being proposed to expand the mandate of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) to provide support for start-ups and innovators to scale their ideas.
“These policy reforms, once passed by Parliament, will enhance our ICT system and provide the legal framework for empowering local innovators,” he said.
The African Marketing Confederation and TICON Africa Annual Conference brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and marketers from across the continent to discuss innovation, digital transformation, and Africa’s role in the global economy.
Report by Sandra Akimi for Asaase News in Greater Accra
Asaase Broadcasting Company airs on Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra).
Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale).
Listen online: asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn.
Follow us:
X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073
Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3
LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5
Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3.
YouTube: AsaaseRadioXtra.
Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652.
#AsaaseRadio
#AsaasePa
#TheVoiceofOurLand
