Youth of Upper West calls for equitable access to digital technologies

The youth of the Upper West Region have called on the government and other stakeholders to ensure equitable access to digital technologies for all young people in the region and the country at large.

The youth made the call on the occasion of the celebration of the 2024 International Youth Day commemoration under the theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.”

At a Regional Youth Conference organized by a coalition of youth organizations and networks in the region on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, in Wa, the youth urged for equitable access to digital technologies for all young people regardless of their geographic location.

This was contained in a joint communiqué issued by the youth organizations and networks—Coalition for Positive Impact, Necessary Aid Alliance, Community Aid for Rural Development, Ghana Red Cross Society, MAGVIN Research Institute, Children and Youth in Broadcasting (Curious Minds), and Tech Aid for Rural Development—at the conference.

The youth noted that “digital technology is not just a tool but a catalyst for change” and that “the integration of digital tools in these fields not only enhances productivity but also opens up new avenues for innovation and growth.”

They said it was imperative to equip young people with the digital skills necessary to drive sustainable development across various sectors, including agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship, especially in the face of 21st-century challenges and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

They, however, lamented that the disparities that exist in access to digital tools, particularly in rural areas, remain a significant barrier to progress.

“We call on government agencies, telecommunication companies, and other stakeholders to invest in infrastructure and initiatives that ensure equitable access to digital technologies for all young people, regardless of their geographic location,” they said.

The youth also emphasized the importance of building digital literacy among young people to equip them with not only the technical skills needed to navigate digital platforms but also the knowledge required to use these tools responsibly.

They applauded the efforts of young entrepreneurs and innovators who are using digital technologies to address local challenges and create sustainable solutions for societal transformation.

They said, “The success stories of these youth-led initiatives serve as a testament to the power of innovation and the potential of our region's youth to drive meaningful change.”

They hence called on stakeholders to support such initiatives through mentorship, funding, and market access to ensure that they can scale up and have a lasting impact.

The youth added that, aside from bridging the digital divide, it was important to ensure digital inclusion for all young people without regard for sex or physical ability.

“Women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities must be actively engaged in the digital transformation process. By fostering an inclusive digital environment, we can ensure that the benefits of digital innovation are shared equitably, leaving no one behind,” portions of the communiqué read.

The youth further called on the government, private sector, civil society, and development partners to collaborate with the youth organizations in creating an enabling environment for digital innovation.

The Regional Youth Conference was anchored by the Wa Municipal Directorate of the National Youth Authority, KHARD Global Limited, Iron Photography, and the Regional Directorate of the Ghana Library Authority.