Minister of Communication and Technology, Felix Owusu Agyepong, has repeated the government's intention to use communication and information technology, as the base for building national prosperity and creating wealth in the country.
In a speech read on his behalf at the launching of the 6th Ghana Information and Technology Fair at the Trade Fair in Accra, he reminded participants not to forget that the technological revolution presently affects almost every aspect of the way we live and conduct business, and therefore the key to success in the global market economy is the ability to make optimal use of the opportunity provided to overcome the challenges of poverty and helplessness.
According to him, significant strides were made at the previous fair that demonstrated the nation's potential to emerge as an information communication and technology (ICT) hub within the sub-region and possibly beyond; besides the accomplishments of certain companies engaged in the exportation of (ICT) products to neighbouring countries have proven the need to build the requisite infrastructure to support the progress of the industry.
The chairman of the launching, Dr. S. Somuah, of the Office of the President, in his opening address, stressed that government believes strongly that ICT offers the country a critical tool to leap-frog the key stages of industralisation and transform our agriculture dominated economy into a service-sector economy, driven by high value added information and knowledge-based technology that can compete on the global market.
Mr. Agyepong commended the organizers for choosing the theme, "Digital Opportunities for the Ghanaian" because it carries a message of hope and it is also an opportunity for every Ghanaian to know the numerous applications to which (ICT) could be put to create wealth and empowerment irrespective of their location.
In her address, Ms. E. Ofori, Chief Executive of The Trade Fair Company, said ICT is the fastest growing sector in the world as it provides crucial services to all the sectors of the economy.
She also commended the Ministry for setting up a fully-fledged IT department because it will co-ordinate and regulate and promote the development capabilities of the digital industry.
