The 2024 Ghana Internet Governance Forum (Ghana IGF), held at the Kofi Annan ICT Centre of Excellence in Accra, convened a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, civil society, and academia. This year’s theme, “Empowering Sustainable Development of Our Digital Future,” emphasized Ghana’s drive towards digital inclusivity, enhanced cybersecurity, and sustainable economic growth. The forum highlighted the critical steps needed to strengthen the country’s position as a digital leader in Africa, with an emphasis on building a resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem.

Setting the Tone: Ghana’s Digital Vision In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Hon. Charles Acheampong, underscored the crucial role that digital technologies play in bridging the societal divide. He highlighted the significant impact of initiatives such as the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project, which has established over 1,010 cell sites across the country, providing much-needed mobile and broadband coverage to underserved communities. Acheampong noted that these efforts have allowed millions of Ghanaians to gain access to the digital economy, ensuring that no one is left behind as the country continues its digital transformation.

The Deputy Minister also emphasized the importance of enhancing Ghana’s local domain space, applauding the Ghana Domain Name Registry (GDNR) for its instrumental role in driving the forum and raising awareness around the use of the “.GH” domain. He commended the GDNR for ensuring that the “.GH” domain becomes a cornerstone of Ghana’s digital economy, helping local businesses and communities establish a strong online presence​

A Platform for Collaboration: The Role of Stakeholders The Ghana IGF has evolved into a critical platform for fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. This multistakeholder forum allows various actors—from government agencies to private enterprises and civil society organizations—to come together to discuss and shape policies that will drive the future of the internet in Ghana. The forum encourages dialogue on key issues such as digital infrastructure, innovation, and governance, all with the aim of accelerating the nation’s digital growth.

One of the key highlights of the forum was the ongoing discussion about the National Roaming Policy, which has been designed to improve connectivity across networks, particularly benefiting rural areas. This policy underscores the government’s commitment to closing the digital divide, enabling more Ghanaians to participate in the digital economy

Strengthening Trust in the Digital Ecosystem Trust in the digital ecosystem emerged as a central theme of the forum, with Hon. Charles Acheampong stressing the need for robust policies to safeguard user privacy, combat misinformation, and ensure accountability. The Deputy Minister highlighted the critical role of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) in securing the country against growing cyber threats. The CSA has taken the lead in developing a comprehensive cybersecurity framework that not only protects citizens but also positions Ghana as a leader in digital resilience across the African continent

Acheampong emphasized that building a healthy and trusted digital ecosystem is essential for fostering innovation and ensuring sustainable development. He also noted that Ghana’s efforts in cybersecurity, supported by a proactive and evolving policy environment, serve as a benchmark for other African nations striving to improve their digital resilience.

Driving Digital Literacy and Inclusivity A major point of discussion was the need to enhance digital literacy and ensure that all Ghanaians, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, have the skills necessary to thrive in a digital world. The government’s Community Information Centres and other digital inclusion programs were highlighted as pivotal in equipping citizens with the necessary skills to participate in the digital economy. These centers have provided essential resources for individuals to gain digital literacy, further narrowing the gap between urban and rural populations

Looking Ahead: Global Impact and Ghana’s Digital Future As Ghana gears up for the Global Internet Governance Forum in Saudi Arabia later this year, Deputy Minister Acheampong expressed optimism that insights from the 2024 Ghana IGF would contribute to global discussions on building a multistakeholder digital future. Ghana’s strides in digital transformation, particularly through policies that promote inclusivity, trust, and innovation, position the country as a key player in shaping the global digital landscape

In his closing remarks, the Deputy Director-General of Technical Operations at the National Communications Authority (NCA), Prof. Ezer Osei Yeboah-Boateng, reiterated the NCA’s commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure, including the deployment of the 5G network across Ghana. He stressed the importance of integrating technology into education as a strategy for sustainable development, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the skills needed to drive technological innovation

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