Government sure to attain SDGs faster through digitization

Government has code named 2017 and beyond “digi-time” in Ghana, as an expression of its commitment to use digital technologies to facilitate the country’s journey to attaining the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Deputy Minister of Communications, Nenyi George Kojo Andah made that remark during the Ministerial Roundtable at the ongoing International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Telecom World 2017 conference and exhibition in Busan, South Korea.

The deputy minister is at the head of a team of public and private sector ICT organizations to the conference and exhibition to showcase Ghana’s strides in the sector and the investment opportunities that exist in the sector.

In his address during the Ministerial Roundtable, George Andah stated that since President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government took office in January this year, it had declared its commitment to transforming Ghana’s economy through ICT, and ensuring the country does not depend on aid.

“In line with our vision of making Ghana the most people and business friendly economy on the African continent, the Government has declared that this is ‘Digi-Time’ in Ghana, and the realization of Digi-Time, will undoubtedly shorten our journey to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said.

He touched on key measures such as the Ghana Card, digital terrestrial television (DTT), girls in ICT, child online protection, ICT parks, digitization of public address systems, broadband connectivity for unserved and underserved areas and what government plans to use the first satellite launched into orbit recently by All Nations University.

“I would like to use this platform to recognize the All Nations University, their partners and the development team behind the successful launch of GhanaSat-1, the nations first satellite, which was sent into orbit from the International Space Station,” he said.

He said the satellite will be used to monitor Ghana’s coastline for smart mapping purposes, and to build capacity in space science and technology, added that this is another proud Ghana and Africa moment, and opens the door to many more opportunities and possibilities in the space of ICT.

“We intend to improve the efficiency of public sector service delivery, extend connectivity to rural, unserved and underserved communities, focus on empowering women and gender parity, and create opportunities for the youth through the nurturing of new businesses, creation of job opportunities and facilitation of IT-enabled services and entrepreneurship.

George Andah said leveraging ICT to drive education, financial services, health, government service, security, energy, agriculture, tourism and transportation Health is critical and non-negotiable.

Government is therefore working to ensure that the right policies and regulatory frameworks are in place to drive a sustainable and integrated infrastructural development across the country, and ensure that the rights skills and competencies are built as part of an overall strategy to position Ghana as a regional ICT hub.

“We are also embarking on the National Identification Scheme and implementing the National Digital Property Address System linked with post codes which are both being developed by local Ghanaian companies as a reflection of our commitment to driving local content in a more robust manner,” he said.

Particularly on the National ID card and DTT, he pointed out that the government is not abandoning what the previous government did before this one took over, adding that they are actually continuing the processes started by the previous administration because they find them viable.

The Deputy Minister noted that government is also mainstreaming ICT in the public sector for enhanced government services and improving telecommunications accessibility and affordability,working with the private sector to increase the broadband infrastructure and speed of connections nationwide.

According to him, government is also finalizing the Digital Terrestrial Television policy and completing the DTT infrastructure for digital switch over by the end of the second quarter next year, adding that they are also implementing a paperless port to digitize all processes and workflow in the country’s ports of entry.

“Within a month of implementation, we have reduced the time for clearing goods at the ports to 4 hours and increased government revenues significantly by reducing opportunities for corruption,” he stated.

George Andah said the Public Key Infrastructure is also being built as part of government’s e-transform project, that will complete the e-Parliament program and e-Immigration system, and also implementing an electronic system for government-wide procurement, e-justice and the automation of business registration and tax systems.

He said creating a safe and empowering experience for children and young people online is a key priority.

To that end, “We continue to recognize and celebrate “Girls-in-ICT”, which provides the platform for girls and young maidens to interact with mentors within the ICT sector and we are also embarking on Child Online Protection to tackle the menace of cyber predators, online bullying, and sexual inducements,” he states.

The Minister also announced that government is expanding universal access through the construction of Enhanced Community Information Centres and in addition to retooled post offices, which would be used as e-services centres for citizens to access all government services from every part of the country.

“We intend to connect our entire country to telecom infrastructure and promote digital financial services and e-commerce – We have an ambitious agenda but know it is achievable,” he said.

George Andah therefore threw an invitation to interested investors to come partner government for the construction of technology parks to promote ICT R&D, build tech hubs and accommodate IT-Enabled Services and BPO companies to provide job opportunities, starting with the Accra Digital Centre, and the cooperation with Mauritius.

He noted that Ghana led the African telecommunications sector reform and liberalization, and its telecommunications sector has since experienced tremendous growth, with six competing international operators – and currently government is encouraging consolidation in the industry to drive greater efficiency, service delivery and maximize profits.

“Our participation in 2017 Telecom World and the sharing of experiences is testiminy to our commitment to the ideals of the ITU and on that count we reiterate our commitment to the ITU and are determined to work with colleagues to implement its policies and programmes in our respective countries.

“May I also take this opportunity to remind all delegates that Ghana will be putting itself up for reelection to serve another term on the Executive Council and we are counting on your support to be given the privilege to serve again,” he said.