Kevin Nyango
TechInAfrica – To support the local technology entrepreneurs in Ghana, the government through the ministry of communication decided to launch the National Identity (ID) project despite facing strong opposition. During the opening of “Tech in Ghana Conference”, the opening remarks of Mrs. Ekuful were pointing out that she intends to see Ghana outshining in the technology sector in the region. Mrs. Owusu Ekuful is presently the minister of communication in Ghana. The main reason for organizing the event was to present to potential investors the world-class and developed technology in Ghana. Besides, the conference provides better grounds to convene a dialogue between technology startups and the government. The two-day conference was hosted by the Accra Digital Centre (ADC) and organized by Africa Business 2020.
The government of Ghana strives to enhance Information Communication Technology (ICT) research and development by setting up ICT parks. The rural communities are also considered as the government has established community information centers to bridge the digital divide. Connecting the centers with the internet makes the citizens access e-services easily and remain in touch with the global news. Ghana having introduced e-procumment and e-immigration systems, the established centers would be significant in bringing government services closer to its citizens. Mrs. Ekuful also said that the Ministry of Communication wished to engage interested stakeholders on talks to explore the way forward to make Ghana a leading tech hub. Besides, the government by bridging the digital divide intends to create more employment opportunities for the youths.
According to the Acting Managing Director of ADC, Mr. Eric Ofosu Nkansah who also attended the conference, he said that ADC was ready to aid the government on its mission to place Ghana to leap into the digital age. He expressed his sincere desire to see Ghana being the destination for outsourcing tech gurus. He also added that according to the mission of ADC, the center strives to ensure that they provide infrastructure and necessary services for the growth of ICT in the nation.
Some of the services that ADC provide include conference rooms and office spaces to let. There’s also a portion that is reserved for nurturing technology entrepreneurs. Besides, they have other programs such as business plan competitions, study tours, and angel’s networks. Mr. Nkansah said that he’s ready to partner with other technology stakeholders to facilitate these programs and much more.
