Technology can build or destroy society – Nana Oye Bampoe Addo warns

Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration and Finance, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, has warned that Ghana’s rapid digital transformation could come with serious consequences if artificial intelligence, social media and other emerging technologies are not used responsibly.

She said while digital technologies offer enormous opportunities for innovation and national development, their misuse could threaten social stability, damage reputations and undermine national security.

Nana Oye Bampoe Addo made the remarks at the opening of the 2026 National ICT Week, where she called for stronger cybersecurity, improved digital literacy and responsible content creation.

“Technology is also a weapon when wielded carelessly,” she cautioned.

According to her, the growing availability of artificial intelligence tools and digital platforms has created new opportunities for Ghanaians but has also increased the risks associated with misinformation, manipulated content, online fraud and other forms of digital abuse.

She stressed that content creation must not be allowed to become a tool for threatening the peace or targeting individuals.

Nana Oye Bampoe Addo said Ghana’s digital transformation agenda must therefore place cybersecurity and digital literacy at the centre of national development.

She cited the work of the Cyber Security Authority in dismantling cross-border fraud networks and arresting more than 140 suspects in a single operation, describing such efforts as critical to building public confidence in the country’s digital ecosystem.

She also raised concerns about the digital divide, particularly the disparity between men and women in internet access.

She argued that Ghana’s digital transformation would only be meaningful if women, young people, persons with disabilities and underserved communities were able to participate fully and safely in the digital economy.

The Deputy Chief of Staff consequently called for closer collaboration among government, academia, industry and other stakeholders to promote cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital citizenship.

She also urged content creators to recognise the influence they wield and use digital platforms in ways that contribute positively to society.

Her comments come as government intensifies efforts to expand Ghana’s digital infrastructure. Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, announced at the same event that government was targeting 70 percent population coverage of 5G by the end of 2028.

Sukparu said the government was also reviewing spectrum policies and legislation covering communications, digital services, data governance and emerging technologies to support investment while safeguarding the public interest.

Director-General of NITA, Nana Yaw Amoah-Yeboah, meanwhile said Ghana’s digital ambitions required a collective effort involving government, the private sector, academia and other stakeholders.

He said NITA was working to strengthen interoperability, cybersecurity, data security and system resilience, while promoting the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and advanced data analytics.

The discussions at the National ICT Week highlight the growing challenge facing Ghana: expanding access to digital technologies while ensuring that innovation is matched by security, inclusion and responsible use.

AM

#TrendingGH: 'We have used it for years' - Traders speak on Ethemax use