Omanghana
Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a secure, inclusive and innovation-driven digital economy through international cooperation.
Sukparu made the remarks after receiving a high-level delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency and Boston Consulting Group on behalf of sector minister Samuel Nartey George and the Government of Ghana.
The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, data governance, trusted digital identity, electronic payments, digital customs systems and regional integration within the Economic Community of West African States.
According to the Deputy Minister, digital technology has become central to modern governance and economic development, supporting critical areas such as healthcare, agriculture, education, finance, trade and public service delivery.
He said Ghana’s digital transformation program must be supported by resilient infrastructure and effective institutions capable of protecting citizens, businesses and public systems from emerging technological risks.
Sukparu identified capacity building, data protection, cybersecurity and information and communications technology infrastructure as priority areas in which JICA’s technical assistance could support Ghana’s development objectives.
The meeting also explored ways to strengthen institutions responsible for implementing the country’s digital policies, including the National Information Technology Agency, Cyber Security Authority, Data Protection Commission and Ghana Digital Centers Limited.
These institutions play important roles in regulating digital systems, protecting personal information, coordinating cybersecurity activities and supporting technology-driven businesses.
Focus on Digital Public Infrastructure
A major component of the discussions was the development of secure digital public infrastructure.
Digital public infrastructure refers to foundational systems—including digital identity, interoperable payment platforms and data-exchange frameworks—that allow citizens, businesses and government institutions to access services securely.
Ghana and its partners discussed the need to ensure these systems were inclusive, properly regulated and capable of working across different government agencies.
The talks also covered trusted digital identities, electronic customs procedures and digital payment ecosystems that could reduce administrative delays and improve the delivery of public services.
Regional digital integration was another priority, with the parties considering how Ghana’s systems could support more efficient trade and service delivery across the ECOWAS subregion.
Cybersecurity Cooperation
The engagement builds on separate discussions involving JICA, BCG and Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority on technical cooperation to strengthen national cyber resilience.
Potential areas of collaboration include technical assistance, grant support, institutional training, knowledge exchange and the development of Ghana’s cybersecurity start-up ecosystem.
The parties have also considered measures to address gaps in technical expertise, operational capacity, cybersecurity infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.
As government services become increasingly digital, officials said stronger cybersecurity protections would be necessary to defend critical information systems and maintain public confidence.
Building Public-Sector Digital Capacity
Ghana is also implementing an initiative known as “Accelerating Public Sector Digital Transformation through Capacity Building.”
The program seeks to improve the ability of public officials and state institutions to adopt digital tools while strengthening the skills required to manage data and emerging technologies responsibly.
The government expects improved digital capacity to reduce administrative inefficiencies, enhance coordination among agencies and make public services more accessible.
Artificial intelligence and data analytics form part of Ghana’s wider public-sector modernization agenda, although their use will require adequate safeguards for privacy, security and accountability.
National AI Strategy
The partnership discussions come as Ghana implements its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which has received Cabinet approval.
The strategy is intended to guide the responsible adoption of AI in sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education, financial services and public administration.
Cabinet has also approved a proposed $250 million investment in a national AI computing center to support research, innovation and the deployment of advanced digital solutions.
The government wants the initiative to strengthen Ghana’s position as a regional center for responsible AI development, fintech and digital trade.
Ghana’s mobile penetration rate exceeds 110 per cent, with more than 38 million mobile subscriptions. Officials view that connectivity base as an important foundation for expanding digital services, although access and affordability gaps remain in some rural and underserved communities.
Programs such as Girls-in-ICT and rural connectivity initiatives are expected to help broaden participation and prevent marginalized communities from being excluded from the country’s digital transition.
Sukparu thanked the JICA and BCG delegation for the engagement and expressed confidence that the discussions would produce practical projects and measurable outcomes.
He said Ghana remained open to partnerships that would expand digital opportunities, strengthen public institutions and improve the country’s resilience against cyber threats.
The delegation also expressed optimism about continued cooperation and the possibility of translating the consultations into sustainable initiatives supporting Ghana’s digital economy.
Source: Omanghana
