‘Ghana makes impact with digital divide’
Story: By Isaac AIDOO, Accra
GHANA’S digital transformation has achieved notable milestones in recent years, but the journey has not been without its challenges, particularly given the country’s broader economic difficulties.
Speaking at the fourth Ghana Digital & Innovation Week (GDIW) in Accra, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, Madam Franziska Jebens, acknowledged these achievements while pointing out the hurdles that continue to impede progress.
Madam Jebens emphasized that Ghana’s economic struggles are having a significant impact on the digital sector. With inflation currently hovering between 20-25% and a debt-to-GDP ratio of over 80%, the country faces a tough road ahead in stabilizing its economy. Additionally, the Ghanaian cedi has depreciated by 20-25% against major international currencies, further complicating efforts to spur economic growth.
“These economic challenges inevitably impact the digital sector,” Madam Jebens stated, highlighting how the country’s economic environment, particularly youth unemployment — which stands at around 14% — is affecting young Ghanaians eager to participate in the growing digital economy.
Digital divide and infrastructure gaps
While Ghana has made significant strides in digital transformation, particularly in urban areas like Accra, where internet penetration stands at an impressive 85-90%, rural areas lag far behind.
According to Jebens, internet penetration in these underserved regions is just 40%, leaving approximately 6 million Ghanaians unable to fully benefit from the opportunities brought about by the digital age.
“This digital divide restricts opportunities for people in underserved regions,” she noted, urging the government to enhance management of the digital ecosystem, particularly through improved coordination between different agencies.
Innovation and collaboration key to overcoming challenges
The theme for this year’s GDIW, “Innovate Together: Collaborating for Digital Transformation and Impact,” brought forward the idea that collaboration is essential for meaningful progress. Deputy High Commissioner of the British High Commission in Accra, Keith McMahon, stressed that innovation and collaboration are deeply intertwined.
“When people work together, they can share their knowledge, skills, and experiences. This collective intelligence can accelerate problem-solving,” McMahon explained, urging businesses and individuals to collaborate to advance digital transformation.
Similarly, Telecel Ghana CEO Madam Patricia Obo-Nai echoed these sentiments, calling for collective effort in addressing the complex challenges Ghana faces in areas such as education, healthcare, finance, and agriculture.
“The real power of innovation lies not in individual abilities but in collective effort. The challenges we face require us to think together, share ideas, and combine our strengths,” Obo-Nai said, noting that no single entity can address these multifaceted issues alone.
Partnerships and government support critical
The GDIW event, organized by a consortium led by the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Plan (NEIP) and supported by partners such as GIZ, the German government, MESTI, and the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation, underscored the importance of partnerships in Ghana’s digital transformation journey.
As digital infrastructure gaps and economic challenges persist, experts agree that fostering collaboration between government agencies, businesses, and international partners will be key to driving innovation and ensuring that all Ghanaians can benefit from the country’s digital transformation. This year’s GDIW is set to continue discussions on how to bridge the digital divide, improve digital skills, and create a more inclusive digital economy that can better serve Ghana’s population, particularly its youth.
