By Sammy CRABBE
Ghana’s journey towards a digital economy requires more than ambition—it demands a coordinated strategy to build and leverage infrastructure.
A digital economy is not just about technology; it is about connectivity, accessibility, and inclusivity. A robust digital infrastructure is the foundation upon which economic growth, innovation, and business expansion can thrive.
However, the responsibility for building this economy does not rest on the government alone. Policymakers, businesses, educational institutions, and citizens must align their efforts with a strategic vision that enables Ghana to transition from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-driven digital powerhouse.
The one square mile – a blueprint for Ghana’s digital infrastructure
If Ghana is to successfully transition into a digital economy, we must start with a concentrated and fully functional digital hub—the One Square Mile. Every component of a modern digital economy must be present in this zone and operate efficiently. It will serve as the proof of concept for scaling digital infrastructure nationwide, allowing policymakers and investors to assess viability, identify challenges, and refine strategies before expansion.
The One Square Mile must be equipped with:
- High-speed fibre-optic networks: Ultra-fast, reliable internet connectivity must be the backbone of this zone, ensuring seamless digital transactions, remote work, and innovation hubs.
- Uninterrupted power supply: Reliable electricity, supported by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, must power businesses, data centres, and smart infrastructure.
- A fully digital governance system: All government services within this zone—from business registration to permit approvals—must be entirely digital, eliminating bureaucratic inefficiencies.
- Secure data centres: The zone must house modern data centres to provide cloud storage, cybersecurity, and AI-powered analytics for businesses and government agencies.
- Digital financial infrastructure: Seamless mobile money interoperability, blockchain-backed financial services, and fintech innovations must be fully integrated into daily transactions.
- Smart public services: Every aspect of public services, including transport, health, and security, must be digitized within this zone to create a true smart city experience.
Policymakers: laying the groundwork for expansion
Policymakers must ensure the One Square Mile operates with a regulatory framework that supports digital innovation and attracts investment. Key areas of focus include:
- Legislation to support digital business growth:
- Implement tax incentives for businesses investing in digital infrastructure.
- Ensure transparent and business-friendly regulations to attract multinational corporations and startups.
- Regulatory support for emerging technologies:
- Establish comprehensive data protection laws and cybersecurity frameworks.
- Develop policies that enable blockchain adoption, AI, and machine learning for governance and business solutions.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):
- Collaborate with private sector players to fund and expand fibre-optic networks.
- Encourage investment in tech parks and innovation hubs within the One Square Mile.
If the zone functions effectively, it will create a ripple effect that extends digital transformation beyond its borders, making nationwide digitalization a tangible reality.
>>>the writer is a PhD researcher specializing in blockchains and decentralized finance at the University of Bradford. He holds an MBA in International Marketing and a post-graduate certificate is research from the International University of Monaco. Sammy was the first president of the Ghana Business Outsourcing Association and developed Africa’s first data entry operation and Ghana’s first medical transcription company. He can be reached via [email protected]
