The Ghana CSO Consortium on Safeguarding Youth Digital Inclusion has proposed five key things government must do to foster digital inclusion in Ghana.
Among the proposals, the Consortium has recommended that government should extend internet connectivity to rural areas in the country to ensure no one is left behind in the digitalisation agenda,
“Efforts should be made to bridge the urban-rural digital divide by extending internet connectivity and tech resources to underserved rural areas,” the Ghana CSO Consortium on Safeguarding Youth Digital Inclusion proposed in a press release on October 8.
The release was issued after a one-day event at the Africana Conference Center at Madina Atomic Junction dubbed; The Safeguarding Youth Digital Inclusion CSO Forum.
The forum was organized by the Ghana CSO Consortium on Safeguarding Youth Digital Inclusion with the support of the West Africa Civil Society Institute WACSI and the Mott Foundation.
Among the other recommendations proposed to government in the press release, the Consortium wants continued investments in digital infrastructure, such as broadband expansion and 5G deployment, to improve internet connectivity and access across Ghana.
The Consortium also wants the government to focus on digital skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the digitalisation of public services to increase efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement.
The Consortium strongly believes that collaboration between government and stakeholders is important to transform the country into an inclusive digital society.
“Moving forward, collaboration between government entities, private sector stakeholders, and civil society organizations will be crucial to achieving these goals. Continued investments in digital infrastructure, affordable data plans, and “digital skills development, coupled with strong civic engagement, will drive the transformation of Ghana into an inclusive digital society where every young person has the tools and opportunities to succeed in the digital age,” the press release signed by Ali Ibraheem on behalf of the Consortium said.
Below is a copy of the release:
OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE
Issued by
The Ghana CSO Consortium on Safeguarding Youth Digital Inclusion
IN ACCRA, GHANA, ON 8TH October 2024
Organizations Present:
1. National PTA
2. Activista
3. Abantu for Development
4. Netright
5. Eastern Regional Youth Network
6. Prime initiative
7. Grace Life leadership Center
8. Aminu initiatives
9. WACAM
10. USSAID
11. Kasa initiative
12. Renel Ghana
13. Steward of hope
14. SYND
15. SORONKO Academy
16. TGLC
17. Youth Community Org
18. GARYN
19. Young Visionary leaders Ghana
20. All children Foundation initiative
21. Women for Sustainability Africa
22. Women of Dignity Alliance
23. Curious minds
24. A Rocha Ghana
25. Human Rights reporters, Ghana
26. TERIA
PREAMBLE
The Safeguarding Youth Digital Inclusion CSO Forum was held on Tuesday, October 2024, at the Africana Conference Center Madina Atomic Junction. The forum was organized by the Ghana CSO consortium on Safeguarding Youth Digital Inclusion with the support of the West Africa Civil Society Institute WACSI and the Mott Foundation. Representatives of the private sector, academia, CSOs and Youth Groups attended it.
The forum was a one-day event that took the form of presentations, panels, and plenary discussions. The forum reviewed the implementation of key digital policies, laws and regulations including the political parties’ manifestos of digital access, infrastructure, and employment. The panel discussions explore how young innovators are reshaping the employment landscape in an era where technology reigns supreme. The discussion also focused on how to equip young people with the skills and infrastructure needed to thrive in the digital economy, promote technological literacy, and ensure that historically marginalized voices are heard.
KEY ISSUES DISCUSSED
1. Stakeholders in the forum agreed that Digital inclusion offers significant opportunities for Ghanaian youth in terms of education, employment, and innovation. However, there is a need to address the negative consequences of inequality and marginalization to ensure that all youth can benefit from the digital transformation.
2. The forum acknowledged the government’s pivotal role in fostering digital inclusion in Ghana by implementing policies that promote internet infrastructure development and affordability.
3. The participating organization notes that in our rural and hard-to-reach communities, digital inclusion can significantly improve access to healthcare through telemedicine, enable remote learning for students, and provide farmers with vital information on weather patterns and market prices. By overcoming barriers to digital access, these communities can better integrate into the national economy and reduce socio-economic disparities. Ultimately, enhancing digital inclusion in rural areas can lead to more equitable development and improved quality of life for all Ghanaians.
4. The stakeholders also note that by investing in nationwide broadband expansion projects and subsidizing data plans and devices, the government can ensure that more citizens have access to digital tools. Additionally, government-led digital literacy campaigns can equip Ghanaians with the necessary skills to navigate and benefit from digital technologies effectively.
5. The forum also placed emphasis on affordable data plans are crucial for ensuring that digital inclusion is not limited to those with higher incomes. By making data plans more accessible, the government can ensure that more citizens, especially those in low-income and rural areas, can stay connected and benefit from digital resources. This affordability can lead to increased access to education, telehealth services, and economic opportunities, fostering greater socio-economic equity across the nation
Other key issues discussed include:
- Marginalization of Vulnerable Groups: Digital exclusion can further marginalize vulnerable populations who lack access to digital technologies. This can perpetuate existing inequalities and limit these groups' ability to participate in the democratic process.
- Limited Civic Engagement: Without access to digital platforms, individuals may struggle to engage with government, political parties, and civil society organizations. This can lead to decreased civic participation and disenfranchisement.
- Inequitable Representation: Digital exclusion can result in certain voices being left out of policy discussions and decision-making processes. This can undermine the inclusivity and fairness of democratic governance.
- Increased Information Asymmetry: Citizens who are digitally excluded may lack access to accurate and timely information, leading to misinformation and disinformation. This can weaken the quality of public discourse and compromise the democratic process.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The forum adopted the following recommendations:
Government should:
1. Enhanced Digital Infrastructure: Continued investments in digital infrastructure, such as broadband expansion and 5G deployment, will improve internet connectivity and access across Ghana.
2. Digital Skills Development: There will be a focus on enhancing digital literacy programs to equip more Ghanaians with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy.
3. Entrepreneurship and Innovation: The digital landscape in Ghana will witness a surge in tech startups and innovation hubs, creating opportunities for economic growth and job creation.
4. E-Government Services: The government will further digitize public services to increase efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement.
5. Rural Connectivity: Efforts will be made to bridge the urban-rural digital divide by extending internet connectivity and tech resources to underserved rural areas.
CSOs should:
i. Embark on activities to engender attitudinal change of citizens towards AI and other digital tools.
ii. Monitor and promote Youth digital accountability from policymakers.
iii. Engender national conversation on the realistic cost of data and digital tools.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Safeguarding Youth Digital Inclusion Forum underscored the critical importance of expanding digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and ensuring equitable access to digital resources for all youth in Ghana, especially those in marginalized and rural communities. By addressing the barriers to digital inclusion, such as affordability and infrastructure limitations, the government and civil society organizations can significantly improve opportunities for education, employment, and innovation. The forum further highlighted the need for policies that not only enhance digital access but also ensure that all youth, including vulnerable groups, are empowered to actively engage in the democratic process and the digital economy.
Moving forward, collaboration between government entities, private sector stakeholders, and civil society organizations will be crucial to achieving these goals. Continued investments in digital infrastructure, affordable data plans, and digital skills development, coupled with strong civic engagement, will drive the transformation of Ghana into an inclusive digital society where every young person has the tools and opportunities to succeed in the digital age.
PARTNERS OF THE CONSORTIUM
Act for Change
Girls Empowerment Mission (GEM Ghana)
Nature and Development Foundation
Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC)
Vulnerable Aid Organisation
National Network of Youth Groups
Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP)
SEND Ghana
Royal Africa Generational Thinkers (RAGeT-AFRICA)
Ghana Internet Safety Foundation
Signed
Ali Ibraheem
for the Consortium