Stakeholders in the innovation, technology and digitalisation sector have been urged to ensure that the benefits of technology and digitisation are inclusive and reach every corner of society.
“The ministry firmly believes that innovation should not be constrained to any particular geographical area.
By extending our reach to various regions, we are fostering a sense of unity and ensuring that every corner of Ghana has an equal opportunity to thrive in the digital era,” she added.
She was speaking on behalf of the sector minister, Ursula Owusu Ekuful, at the opening ceremony of the third edition of the Ghana Digital Innovation Week (GDIW) held in Accra yesterday.
GDIW
The GDIW is a nationwide series of events showcasing and celebrating milestones in the nation’s digital innovation ecosystem.
Launched in 2021, it seeks to identify a common national vision that drives the country’s digital innovation agenda, generates wide interest, and prompts concrete action.
This year’s celebration was on the theme; “Innovate, Collaborate, Elevate; Shaping the Future of Endless Potential” and brought together the private sector, academia, policymakers, Development Partners, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), diplomats and business leaders among others.
As part of the GDIW, there will be panel sessions and high-level roundtables, hands-on training, meet-ups, launch of programmes, among others.
Responsible innovation
Ms Boateng said the digital revolution was not merely about adopting new gadgets but also about transforming industries, governance and society.
She, therefore, called for responsible innovations saying that in driving the nation forward as a beacon of progress and prosperity, stakeholders must also remain vigilant about the ethical implications of technology.
“As we innovate, we must do so responsibly ensuring that the benefits of technology are harnessed for the collective good while safeguarding against potential pitfalls,” Ms stressed.
Market value
In a speech read on his behalf, the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Dr Kwaku Afriyie, noted that a recent report had the market value of frontier technologies at $1.5 trillion in 2020, projected to reach $9.5 trillion by 2030.
He, therefore, stated that the ministry with support from the Office of the Vice President was developing initiatives that would enable the country to share in that market value and become players rather than merely playgrounds for digital revolutions.
“I am particularly impressed by the great innovations exhibited by our innovators in the past two years of the GDIW.
Even more exciting are the sessions and topics scheduled for this year,” said Dr Afriyie. stressed.
The Acting Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Accra, Ramona Simon, said Ghana’s innovation and digitisation ecosystem stood at the forefront of the continent’s digital transformation.
“With multiple strides in digital governance, infrastructure and finance, the country is actively leveraging technology to drive inclusive economic growth, enhance efficiency in service delivery and establish itself as a leading player in the global digital landscape,” she added.
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