Ghana has called for increased international investment in digital infrastructure and fairer access to advanced technologies, warning that disparities in computing power, data and financing could widen the digital divide between developed and developing economies.
Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George made the appeal at the Doha Ministerial Roundtable in Qatar, where he urged governments, development institutions and private-sector companies to deepen cooperation on technology transfer, skills development and infrastructure investment.
He warned that the next phase of the digital revolution could leave developing countries further behind if they lack the resources to build and deploy emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.
To illustrate the challenge, George cited the example of a young Ghanaian innovator in Accra with a promising artificial intelligence idea but limited access to computing resources and financing.
“Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not,” he said.
The minister argued that international cooperation should move beyond traditional assistance towards partnerships that address the infrastructure and financing constraints facing innovators in developing economies.
He said governments, development institutions and private companies had a role in closing gaps in technology access and building the capacity needed for countries to participate in the development of emerging technologies.
George’s remarks come as countries prepare for the launch of the Doha Ministerial Declaration. He urged participating governments to ensure the declaration produces practical commitments rather than remaining a statement of intent.
“Let this one be different. Let it be the basis for practical partnerships that meet the real infrastructure, financing and capacity needs of developing countries,” he said.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working with other member states and international partners to advance shared digital development priorities.
The minister’s appeal focused on the need for international partnerships to make digital infrastructure, technology and financing more accessible to developing economies.
