President Mahama Outlines Digital Sector Reforms, Pledges Policy Overhaul

President John Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s digital infrastructure, addressing key challenges, and adopting emerging technologies to drive national development.

Speaking during his State of the Nation Address, President Mahama underscored the government’s priority to expand digital infrastructure, promote the digital economy, and improve access to technology for all citizens.

“Our Communication and Digital Technology initiatives focus on expanding our national digital infrastructure to stimulate innovation and enhance public service delivery,” he stated.

He added that ensuring inclusive and equitable digital growth across all sectors remains a fundamental goal of his administration.

However, he acknowledged several pressing challenges facing the sector, including inadequate infrastructure for weather and climate services, outdated legislation, fragmented databases, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. A major financial hurdle is the sector’s mounting debt, which exceeds GHS 2 billion.

“These challenges hinder our progress, making it difficult to fully realize the benefits of a robust digital economy,” he said.

To address these issues, President Mahama announced plans to review and update existing laws and policies to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.

“My government is committed to reviewing existing laws and policies to better align them with emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, the Internet of Things, and Machine Learning,” he stated.

These reforms, he explained, will create a regulatory environment that fosters innovation while ensuring data security and efficient service delivery.

Cybersecurity remains a critical concern, with the president emphasizing the need for improved measures to detect, prevent, and respond to digital threats.

“We must invest in modern technology and expertise to strengthen our defenses against cyber incidents,” he urged.

He called for a coordinated approach to enhance cybersecurity frameworks, ensuring that both public institutions and businesses are well-protected.

Beyond policy reforms, President Mahama stressed the importance of streamlining digital databases to improve efficiency and reduce redundancy. He pointed out that uncoordinated databases have created inefficiencies in data management and public service delivery.

“A well-structured and integrated digital database is crucial for effective governance and economic growth,” he noted.

He also highlighted the role of digital transformation in economic development, stating that Ghana must leverage technology to remain competitive in the global economy.

“The future belongs to those who embrace technology and innovation. We must take bold steps to position Ghana as a leader in the digital age,” he asserted.

With these initiatives, the government aims to build a more resilient and technologically advanced society. President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that digital progress benefits all Ghanaians, regardless of location or economic status.

“Digital inclusion is key to sustainable development, and we must ensure that no one is left behind,” he concluded.