Minister assures nation of minimal Y2K problems

Mr. John Mahama, Minister of Communications, says there will be minimal disruption to all critical sectors of the economy as a result of the Y2K problem, come the year 2000. He said presently, most mission critical organizations are 90 percent ready for the millennium bug.

Mr. Mahama said this when he addressed a seminar organized by the National Y2K Project Office of the Ministry of Communications in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to brief the diplomatic community on the state of Ghana's Y2K readiness.

Y2K is an error in computer programming that could cause computer systems and other electronic devices programmed to record date information in two digits instead of four to malfunction or completely shut down at the turn of year 2000. He said as part of a national strategy to contain the Y2K risk, key mission critical areas such as electricity, water supply, health, telecommunications, energy, aviation, postal services and the financial sectors have been thoroughly looked at.

Mr. Mahama stressed that the economy is too fragile to withstand the shock of the Y2K problem and advocated that all businesses should divert resources to remedy it. He cautioned all mission-critical organizations to avoid complacency in dealing with the Y2K problem, adding that they should be diligent in testing their contingency plans to stem the problem.

Mr. Joseph Laryea, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs said with international dependency on trade, services and utilities, Y2K disruptions of any of Ghana's partners would have adverse consequences. He said Ghana has fully participated in efforts of international initiatives to promote strategic co-operation and action between governments, and the private sector to minimize the adverse effects of the problem on the economy and global society.