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Age. It is based on the policy framework document “An
Integrated ICT-led Socioeconomic Development Policy and Plan
Development Framework for Ghana”. The Ghana ICT4AD Policy
Statement recognizes the aspirations and provisions of key
socioeconomic development framework documents like Vision
202o Socio-Economic Development Framework, Ghana Poverty
reduction Strategy (GPRS) (2002 – 2004) and Coordinated
Program for Economic and Social Development of Ghana (2003 -
2012)
4.2.1 ICT Policy Framework
The development, deployment and exploitation of ICTs within the
economy and society can contribute to and accelerate Ghana’s
socioeconomic development process provided some critical
success factors and conditions are addressed at the: national,
organizational levels as well as at the level of individuals in the
work place and in the society at large.
4.2.2 Ghana’s ICT Policy - Institutional Support
Framework
Ghana ICT policy framework structure [22] formed four bodies to
assume responsibility of coordinating, facilitating monitoring and
subsequently ensuring the implementation of the policy:
• The National ICT Policy and Plan Development Committee,
constituted by the President, and chaired by a University
Professor.
• The Ministry of Communications as the host ministry and the
policy implementation agency
• The Ghana ICT Directory, as an implementation arm of the
Ministry of Communications
• The National Information Technology Authority, as a
Presidential Advisory body
4.2.3 Ghana’s ICT Policy Process
Ghana ICT Policy Process [22] has been touted as the most
participatory policy development process on the continent.
Extensive consultation with major stakeholders was conducted
throughout the length and breadth of the country in search for
national priorities and needs, as well as to sensitize the
community prior to the development of the ICT4AD framework
document and the eventual write-up of the policy document,
action plans and legislations. The development, deployment and
exploitation of ICTs within the economy and society can
contribute to and accelerate Ghana’s socioeconomic development
process provided some critical success factors and conditions are
addressed at the: national and organizational levels as well as at
the level of individuals in the work place and in the society at
large. It was a four step process [22] involving the development of
a framework, development of a policy, followed by development
of plans and eventually the implementation of the policy strategies
and action plans. Ghana conducted extensive consultation with the
stakeholders that was located across the length and breadth of the
country. Participatory nature of the process was referenced by the
ECA as a benchmark for its facilitated ICT Policies
4.2.4 Ghana’s ICT Policy – Cardinal Pillars
The Cardinal Pillars of Ghana ICT4AD Policy are as follows [8]:
1) accelerating Human Resource Development 2) promoting ICTs
in Education 3) facilitating Government administration and
service delivery 4) facilitating private sector development 5)
developing export-oriented ICT products and service industry 6)
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modernizing agriculture and development of agro-business 7)
developing a globally competitive value added service industry.
4.3 Policy Priorities and Internet Regulation
Despite the broad participation of multiple stakeholders in
Ghana’s policy formulation process, and partial participation of
stakeholder Kenya’s case, the implementation in both countries
did not translate into action plans to acceptable level [8][17]. The
establishment of the Ministry of Information Communications
made it possible to update the policy framework and implements
some flagship projects. Consequently there has been a major
disconnection between communication policies that address
access issues and broad based ICT policies that focus on the
exploitation of ICTs as instrument of development. Although
access to communication was improved through cellular services,
progress with regards to fixed lines and broadband network that
underpin ICT application has remained very low. Increasing
access to affordable communication and developing human
capacity are vital for the success of ICT policy.
Although Kenya and Ghana have started internal processes of
governance over the Internet by developing their own set of
National ICT Strategies, infrastructure, technological and
regulatory frameworks, there is wide gap between national policy
and the regulation of online environment in the aspects of
international communications infrastructure, content access and
development, electronic trade and on-line applications. In
particular Ghana is not focusing on local content in its policy.
A team should be formed to address Internet issues. The policy
review shows that there is an overlap in the priority areas, a
reflection of the common social and economic challenges in the
two countries. The overlap is evident particularly in the areas of:
human resources development; broadband infrastructure
development; policy; legislative and regulatory framework; ICT
sector development; and ICT applications and content.
Main areas of focus of ICT policy Include: ICT Leadership, ICT
Infrastructure, ICT Industry, Human Capital, Legal and
Regulatory Framework, Productive Sectors, Service Sectors,
Public Service, Local Content and Universal access. Furthermore,
the vision and mission expressed in the policy documents remain
consistent, an indication of a degree of convergence in adopting
common vision to harness information and communication
technologies for development.
The review indicates that; there is under emphasis of the need for
highly skilled human resources and ICT research and
development that could have long term economic and social
benefits to the country. The smart use of ICTs in the universities,
public and private sector is critical for national and regional
competitiveness. The application of ICTs in agriculture and health
has not been given equal attention considering number of
workforce and resources devoted to these sectors in the country.
4.3 Institutional Arrangement and
Participation of Stakeholders
Institutional arrangement and the participation of various
stakeholders particularly the media, civil society, private sector
and the academia provide a good indication of the maturity of ICT
policy. The review of institutional arrangement shows that the
more the ICT function is sponsored by the highest political
leadership like the President, the better the chance of its success.
Likewise, the higher the involvement of the major stakeholders in