The Minister of State for Public Sector Reform, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, has stated that Ghana must be bold in its digital ambitions while remaining rooted in its values and realities.
Speaking at the Ghana Internet Governance Forum (Ghana IGF) under the theme “Building an Inclusive Digital Future Together,” held in Accra on June 5, 2025, she emphasised the need for innovation anchored in practical action and inclusive governance.
“Let us be bold in our thinking but grounded in our genesis. Let us be open to new ideas, but frank in our promise,” she urged.
“Let us ensure that the outcomes of this program do not sit on the shelf, but translate into real action — in our laws, in our systems, and in the lives of our citizens.”
The forum, which brought together government officials, digital experts, civil society actors, and development partners, marked a key step in shaping Ghana’s forward-looking digital agenda.
The minister expressed optimism that the dialogue would yield actionable recommendations to inform national policy, while highlighting the importance of collaboration across sectors.
As Ghana commemorates 30 years of full international internet connectivity, the dialogue also featured reflections from Professor Nii Narku Quaynor, renowned as the “Father of the Internet in Africa.”
He traced Ghana’s digital evolution from the arrival of internet services in the early 1990s to the present and called for a deepened multistakeholder approach to internet governance.
“The multistakeholder model works through rough consensus — we may not all get what we want, but we agree to move forward together,” he said.
“The key question is: how are we building inclusivity, increasing participation, and strengthening our collective voice in global internet governance?”
The event also addressed the growing threat of cybercrime.
Superintendent Nana Gyebi, Head of the Cybercrime and Child Protection Unit of the Ghana Police Service, acknowledged the scale of cyber threats but noted that law enforcement is working closely with agencies such as the Cyber Security Authority and National Security to respond effectively.
“The problem is huge, but the collaboration is stronger,” he noted.
“Cyber incidents know no borders. A threat here is a threat everywhere. That’s why we need shared responsibility — from enforcement to reporting.”
The forum was supported by partners including the Government Domain Name Registry, the Internet Society Ghana Chapter, and the National Communications Authority.
Participants explored topics such as data protection, online safety, digital inclusion, and internet access — all framed by the goal of building a people-centered digital future.
AM/KA