ICT Innovation For Government And Development

The British High Commissioner Nicholas Westcott has said, allowing the Private sector to lead the growth of Information Technology will certainly generate the fastest and largest contribution to the development of the country.

'This is one sector where foreign investors are willing and able to raise the money to support technology development, even in the kind of global downturn we are witnessing.' he has added

He commended government's ambition to consolidate and extend existing broadband infrastructure to increase accessibility. However he emphasized that it will be prudent for government to allow it to be Private sector led so as to avoid risking the taxpayers' money being wasted.

Dr. Westcott was delivering a lecture at the Ghana-India Kofi Annang Centre of Excellence in Accra. He commended government's efforts in accelerating the use of Mobile Phones. However he stressed the need to encourage Mobile Phone Companies to deliver additional value added services.

The British High Commissioner explained further that Mobile Telephone Technology can create a combination of wealth and several other opportunities for people to market their own goods effectively as well as develop services that will help the entire economy to grow faster.

In reaction to questions and concerns raised by the media, Dr. Westcott pledged to coax Development Partners in the UK to invest in Ghana. 'British Companies setting up in Ghana have been impressed with the level of skills available, but the supply must be maintained.' He disclosed.