ICT can improve democratic process- Dr Darkwah

By Morkporkpor Anku, GNA
Accra, May 27, GNA - Dr Osei Darkwah, President of the Ghana Telecom University College, says Information Communication Technology (ICT), could be used to improve the democratic process.

He said ICT also enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the e-governance system in the development of a country.

Dr Darkwah was speaking on the topic: 'ICT and Governance' as part of the 10th Anniversary celebrations of Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) in Accra.

The Anniversary, which is being marked on the theme: "10 years of Bridging the Digital Divide in Ghana, GIFEC Experience," commenced from Monday, May 23 and is expected to end on Friday, May 27.

The lined up activities, include symposiums, lectures, stakeholder engagements, medical outreach, donation and thanksgiving service.

In July 2004, the government set up Ghana Investment Fund for Telecommunications as an agency of the Ministry of Communications to facilitate the provision of universal access to basic telephony by the un-served and under-served communities in the country.

The Electronic Communications Act 775 promulgated in 2008, gave the legal backing to the agency, which started operations in January 2005, changed the agency's name to GIFEC and widened the scope of its mandate.

This include the provision of access to electronic services including ICT, broadcasting, internet, multimedia service and basic telephony, by the un-served and under-served communities in Ghana.

He said the application of ICT in governance processes eliminates the issues on intermediaries and brings citizens closer to the government.

Dr Darkwah said for effective use of ICT in enhancing good and effective governance, policy makers would have to be committed to the course of the process.

He said more awareness needs to be created for the citizenry to know of the services which could be access online for their businesses.

Mr George Atta-Boateng, Director General of National Information Technology Agency (NITA), said government had raised GH¢ 48 million as a result of the development of the e-registration and taxation portal.

He said NITA is poised to implement the ICT agenda of government to improve on the economy.

Professor Nii Narku Quaynor, Chair of the Internet Society, Ghana Chapter commended the efforts of GIFEC in providing communications access to various communities.

He called on the citizenry to participate in the debate on the improvement and enhancement of ICT for National development.

GNA