Ghana Internet Governance Forum 2024 Opens to Shape Country’s Digital Future
The Ghana Domain Name Registry (GDNR), under the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation in partnership with Ghana Internet Governance Forum (IGF) yesterday opened the 2024 Ghana IGF Forum, gathering key stakeholders from government, private sector, civil society, and academia to discuss the future of Ghana’s digital landscape.
The event was held under the theme: “Empowering Sustainable Development of Our Digital Future,” this year’s forum focuses on Ghana’s ongoing digital transformation and collaborative efforts to ensure a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy.
Opening the event yesterday at the Ghana- Indian Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE) in Accra), the Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Hon. Charles Acheampong (MP) , applauded the Ghana Domain Name Registry (GDNR) for organizing the forum. He emphasized the critical role digital technologies play in bridging societal gaps and creating new opportunities for economic growth, while ensuring no community is left behind.
The Ghana IGF has evolved into a pivotal platform for our digital transformation, providing a unique space for multistakeholder dialogue. It allows government, industry, and civil society to come together to shape policies and propose solutions to accelerate Ghana’s digital future.
There is no gainsaying that the GDNR has been instrumental in driving the Internet Governance Forum in Ghana over the years. The local domain name space is one of the backbones of our digital economy, and the Registry continues its efforts to make the .GH domain a flagship extension for all Ghanaians and Ghana-based companies. Their work in raising awareness, building capacity within the local Internet community, and hosting the DNS Forum in Ghana deserves our commendation.
Hon. Charles Acheampong (MP), Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ghana
According to him, this year’s IGF, resonates deeply with our collective vision of leveraging digital technologies to foster sustainable development and inclusive growth in Ghana
Central to our efforts not to leave anyone behind is the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital inclusion Project which to date has constructed over 1,010 cell sites across the country, expanding mobile and broadband coverage to underserved and unserved communities. These initiatives have brought essential communication services to millions of Ghanaians who were previously excluded from the digital revolution. Additionally, the establishment of Community
Information Centres and digital inclusion programs is equipping citizens with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy.
Hon. Charles Acheampong (MP), Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ghana
Mr. Acheampong also highlighted the National Roaming Policy, which has enabled seamless connectivity across networks, particularly benefiting rural communities. This policy underscores the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide.
Trust is the foundation of a healthy digital ecosystem.
Hon. Charles Acheampong (MP), Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ghana
Deputy Minister also added that safeguarding user privacy, combating misinformation, and fostering accountability remain top priorities as Ghana advances towards a more connected and digitized economy.
According to him, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) continues to lead efforts to secure the nation from growing cyber threats through a comprehensive cybersecurity framework.
The CSA’s role, he noted, is critical not only in protecting citizens but also in positioning Ghana as a global digital hub. With the rising importance of cybersecurity, Ghana’s proactive measures serve as a benchmark for digital resilience on the continent.