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IT POLICY FOR GHANA

  • Subject: IT POLICY FOR GHANA
  • From: openeconomies(at)cyber.law.harvard.edu (kwami)
  • Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2001 13:34:31 +0100
  • References: <v03007812b7a87b0a47ca@[10.0.1.2]>
IT POLICY CONFERENCE FOR GHANA
Kwami Ahiabenu,II
ACCRA, GHANA


Though Ghana has achieved a lot of success in its IT use and promotion by
both government and private sector, it is faced with a lot of problems and
challenges in this direction. There is no doubt that Ghana has a long way to
go before it can realise the full benefits of Information Technology.

In order to derive the maximum benefit from information technology as a tool
for development and define a definite course of action for IT development in
Ghana, the government has drawn up a National Information Technology Policy
Framework.
The framework was put together by a team of IT experts working from the
Office of the President since the second quarter of year 2001. Currently,
there is a massive media drive and promotion to ensure that key stakeholders
can provide input for consideration into the final policy. A national IT
policy conference is slated for the 11th and 12th of September 2001 at
GIMPA, Accra aimed at finalising the Policy framework.

The aim of the policy is to " improve productivity and assist government
officials, co-ordinate, promote and supervise the implementation and use of
the Information Technology in Government organizations and also promote the
development of a vibrant Computer Industry in Ghana".

In order to achive this visiion, the policy elaborates a broad scope of
activities which include: IT Management Structures, Human Resource
Development, Systems Development, Manufacture and Assembly of Hardware,
Internet and Value-added Services, IT Planning, standards for Hardware and
Software, IT Implementation, Installation and Maintenance,  Database and
Content Development, Public Safety and Security, Data Protection,
Publications and Disclosure and National Information Technology
Infrastructure.

The policy hopes to develop a number of structures in order to achieve the
scope of the policy. One key structure is the National Information
Technology Agency - NITA.  NITA will be established by a Presidential
instrument to co-ordinate the efficient and cost-effective implementation of
IT and related activities in Ghana.

This is the second attempt by Ghana to develop an IT policy; the first
effort was rewarded with a Communication Policy, which had a very strong IT
component but it never reached the implementation stage.

With an ambitious policy vision to " Move ghana to the level of a middle
income country by year 2010 with at least 8% GDP using the opportunity of
technology", local and international industry players are watching the
process with keen interest and some with great sceptism.

CONTACT : CROBSY TEKYI-MILLS
E-mail address : itpolicy@ghana.gov.gh
The policy framework is available online at www.ghana.gov.gh



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