President John Mahama says government will expand the country’s national digital infrastructure as part of efforts to stimulate innovation and enhance public service delivery. The President emphasized the need for a more robust digital infrastructure to drive the country’s technological transformation and create a more efficient public sector.
“Our Communication and Digital Technology initiatives focus on expanding our national digital infrastructure to stimulate innovation and enhance public service delivery,” President Mahama told Parliament during the State of the Nation (SONA) address. He highlighted the government’s commitment to improving access to information and communication technologies (ICT), promoting the digital economy, and ensuring inclusive growth across all sectors.
However, the President acknowledged significant challenges facing the sector, including insufficient infrastructure for weather and climate services, fragmented databases, outdated legislation, and a lack of technology to combat cybersecurity threats. Additionally, the sector is burdened by a GHS 2 billion debt, hindering its progress.
To address these challenges, the government plans to review existing policies and legislation to align them with emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, the Internet of Things, and Machine Learning. A key part of the reform will be the fast-tracking of the Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (KACE) Bill, which will establish a framework for the Centre to focus on research and development, consultancy services, and capacity building.
President Mahama also touched on the ‘One Million Coders Programme’, a youth-focused initiative to develop IT skills. The programme will train young people in coding, web app development, digital marketing, and other key digital skills to prepare them for the growing digital economy.
“We must provide meaningful and relevant education to prepare our youth for today’s technology-driven job market,” the President said, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring quality education and bridging the skills gap.
The expansion of digital infrastructure and the government’s focus on ICT are expected to play a pivotal role in Ghana’s economic growth and technological development in the coming years.
