The Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH) congratulates Hon. Sam Nartey George on his appointment as Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation.
Hon. George’s appointment reflects his expertise in digital technology and governance, evidenced by his work on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Communications and tenure at the Communications Directorate of the Presidency, amongst others. His comprehensive understanding of legislative and executive functions uniquely positions him to advance Ghana’s digital agenda.
His proven advocacy for digital technology and innovation, envisioning broader technological and economic aspirations of the government, aligns with IIPGH’s mission to positively influence the development, standardization, and delivery of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) across Ghana.
We anticipate his leadership will foster collaboration among stakeholders and enhance Ghana’s digital ecosystem. Also, his commitment to bridging the digital divide and promoting technological advancements will be instrumental in driving sustainable development and economic growth.
IIPGH stands ready to support initiatives that empower individuals, professionals, businesses, and institutions to harness technology’s potential. We are confident that under Hon. George’s leadership, Ghana will advance towards digital equity and technological innovation. His vision for a digitally inclusive society resonates with our goals, and we look forward to working together to achieve these shared objectives.
The Institute is a professional association made up of professionals in various areas of ICT practice. It is a connector of ICT professionals from government MDAs, educational institutions, corporate organizations, start-ups, investors, and civil society organizations to create a vibrant ICT ecosystem.
It aims to use its platform to equip professionals and students with skills in emerging technologies needed for entrepreneurship and employment in today’s fast-moving technological world. In addition, use the expertise at its disposal to advise government and other stakeholders on best practices and public policies that would enable the use of ICT in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
IIPGH leads digital transformation initiatives and business facilitation through research, hands-on training and workshops, webinars, symposiums, seminars, outreaches, business breakfast meetings and stakeholder roundtable discussions.
In addition, the organization actively promotes public education on technology through newspaper publications in print and online media, radio and television. Several advocacy programs are being carried out by the institute to champion the development of new and emerging technologies for employment and general societal good.
Hon. George’s technical vision as the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation aligns well with the goals of the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH) in several key areas:
- AI and Digital Transformation: To position Ghana as Africa’s leading hub for AI, big data, and cybersecurity by 2028, as envisaged by the Minister. This vision aligns with IIPGH’s mission to positively influence the development and delivery of ICT across Ghana.
- Collaboration and Innovation: IIPGH emphasizes the importance of collaboration between government, private sector, and global tech giants to drive technological growth by connecting ICT professionals from various sectors including government MDAs, to create a vibrant ICT ecosystem.
- Education and Training: As the minister’s plans include enhancing AI infrastructure and innovation hubs, IIPGH similarly focuses on providing training and certification programs for its members and ICT professionals, as well as curriculum reviews for educational institutions. Over the years, IIPGH has been at the forefront of delivering computer programming training amongst other emerging technology programs for young people.
- Economic Growth: IIPGH aims to leverage technology to drive economic growth by providing ICT consultancy and solutions to improve business efficiency and profitability.
- Policy and Standards: As the minister’s approach involves reviewing and adapting existing strategies to enhance Ghana’s AI policy, IIPGH also works on creating standards and certifications to improve the quality of ICT professionals in Ghana.
These shared focus amongst others on innovation, collaboration, and education highlights a strong alignment and commitment in the goals for advancing Ghana’s digital landscape.
Evidence from many economies such as China and India attest to the fact that technology has the power of leapfrogging the development of nations. Indeed, in the last 30 years or thereabouts, much of the socio-economic progress that has been recorded in these countries has been largely spurred by technology. It is significant to note that the countries made a conscious effort to invest in their young people by introducing them to technological skills as part of their academic training.
Inspired by such success stories of the above-mentioned countries, IIPGH introduced its Coding Program for Kids with the vision of revolutionizing the teaching, learning and application of technology in Ghana. This initiative has birthed many more ICT training and development programs in schools and communities.
We look forward to working closely with the Ministry to foster and reinforce collaborations to promote and improve ICT development across the country and beyond, through Policy Development and Advocacy, Standards and Best Practices, Training and Capacity Building, Public-Private Partnerships, Facilitating Industry Collaboration, Research and Development, and many more.
Congratulations once again to Sam Nartey George on this well-deserved appointment as the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation.
