Bright Simons Urges Policymakers to Remove Barriers to Digital Technology for Ordinary Ghanaians

Vice President and Head of Research at IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, Bright Simons, has urged policymakers to focus on removing the barriers that prevent ordinary Ghanaians from benefiting from digital technology. Speaking at Joy News’ Digital Economy Forum on AI and the Ghana Economy, Simons argued that people often learn digital skills through practical use rather than formal training, making access and opportunity more important than traditional educational approaches.

Simons cited ride-hailing, e-commerce, and delivery services as examples of how citizens have used platforms such as WhatsApp, mapping services, and YouTube to create opportunities for themselves. He noted that many Ghanaians have successfully leveraged these tools to build businesses, generate income, and improve their livelihoods without undergoing formal digital training. This, he argued, demonstrates the transformative potential of accessible technology.

The IMANI Vice President cautioned that excessive regulation could become an obstacle to digital innovation and inclusion. He urged the government to make digital opportunities easier to access rather than harder, emphasizing that policies should be designed to empower citizens and encourage experimentation rather than stifle creativity and entrepreneurship. His remarks resonate with broader concerns about the impact of overregulation on the tech ecosystem.

Simons’ comments come at a time when Ghana is seeking to harness the potential of artificial intelligence and digital technologies to drive economic growth and development. The Joy News Digital Economy Forum provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the sector, with a focus on how AI can be leveraged to transform the economy and improve lives.

As policymakers and stakeholders continue to debate the future of Ghana’s digital economy, Simons’ call for fewer barriers and more opportunities is likely to feature prominently in the conversation. The coming months will reveal whether his recommendations will influence government policy and whether ordinary Ghanaians will be able to fully participate in and benefit from the digital revolution.