Ghana ICT Policy and Plan Development Committee

Dialogue with the Staff of the Ghana Free Zone Board and a Section of the Media (GFZB)

The National ICT Policy and Plan Development Committee met with the staff of the Ghana Free Zone Board and a section of the Media on Wednesday, the 8th of January 2003 as part of the National Consultative exercise aimed at developing an ICT-driven socio-economic development policy and plan.

Personnel of the Free Zones Board as well the Media attended the meeting. Prof. Clement Dzidonu, Chairman of the ICT Committee, made a presentation.

The development of the local ICT Industry should be an important component of the Policy and Corresponding Plan.
ICT’s can give Ghana a competitive advantage but it is essential that we move fast in comparison with our neighbors.

There is a need to encourage a close collaboration between the National ICT Policy and Plan Development Committee process and the National Development Planning Commission process.
Need to reduce the cost of doing business in Ghana in order to encourage Foreign Direct Investment in the area of ICT’s.

The necessary regulatory framework and enabling environment would need to be put in place to attract investment for the development of the local ICT infrastructure by the local and foreign private sector.

For a long-term impact of ICT on national development, ICT should be incorporated in the educational curriculum from the basic school levels.

Government should take more pragmatic steps at developing ICT in the country to serve as the main engine of our economic growth.

Next - Plublic Lecture at the Methodist University