The deputy minister of Communications and Digitalization, Ama Pomaa Boateng, has emphasised the critical role of information and communication technology (ICT) in achieving the country’s sustainable development agenda.
“We take a significant step forward by acknowledging that ICT is not merely a tool but an enabler of progress. It is the catalyst that drives inclusive growth, empowers our citizens and paves the way for a prosperous future,” Ms. Pomaa Boateng said during the launch of National ICT Week under the theme ‘Empowering digital transformation for sustainable development’.
“We recognise that the rapid advancements in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have the potential to revolutionise every aspect of our lives and transform our nation’s trajectory toward sustainable development,” she added.
Unparalleled fusion of innovations and opportunities
The deputy-minister emphasized the importance of the National ICT Week, which will be held next year, noting its potential to bring together innovations and opportunities, leveraging technology to overcome barriers and provide unprecedented access to vital services even in our nation’s most remote areas.
“We, therefore, aim to bring together stakeholders from government, private sector, academia and civil society to foster collaboration, innovation, capacity building and knowledge-sharing,” she said.
During the Week, the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) will host a variety of events, workshops, and exhibitions highlighting effective ICT efforts. These projects include e-governance solutions, simplified public service delivery, digital literacy programs for citizen empowerment, and demonstrations of technology-driven sustainable development best practices.
There will also be interactive panel discussions in which experts and thought leaders will offer their perspectives on boosting ICT adoption in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and finance.
Ms. Pomaa Boateng speaking to the media added that, “These discussions will explore the challenges, opportunities, and best strategies for embracing digital solutions to address the nation’s pressing needs,”
Backbone for ingenuity of Ghanaian innovations
Addressing the multitudes, the Director-General of NITA, Richard Okyere-Fosu, stated that the ICT Week celebration will serve as the foundation for future events and displays of Ghanaian ingenuity and innovation, as the convergence of technology and sustainable development provides citizens with an unprecedented opportunity to build an innovative, inclusive, and sustainable Ghana.
“We genuinely think that harnessing the potential of information and communication technology will help our country move toward sustainable development and creating the necessary awareness on ICT products, and their usage is vital for the country’s development. Today, we come together to celebrate successes in the ICT industry and launch of the maiden National ICT Week – which I hope will draw students to the emerging technologies and trends,” he said. “Our goal is to foster a collaborative environment where ideas, innovations and knowledge can be shared freely, leading to novel solutions for the challenges we face,” he added.
The Executive Director-Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH), David Gowu, described the launch as “a milestone in the advancement of information and communication technology in Ghana”.
He said the National ICT Week’s emphasis on collaboration, policy dialogue and shared insights echoes IIPGH’s mission of building a connected community of ICT professionals dedicated to fostering growth and innovation.
“Let us therefore collectively embrace the immense potential of Information and Communication Technology to drive socio-economic development in Ghana. Let us foster a culture of innovation, wherein every challenge is met with a technological solution and every opportunity is harnessed to transform lives,” he stressed.