Internet use in Ghana low

  1. Posted on Tuesday 23 September 2008 - 14:11
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    Kent Mensah, AfricaNews editor in Accra, Ghana
    Only 2.7 per cent of Ghana`s population use the internet in their daily lives inspite of the proliferation of internet cafes across the country. The Internet Society of Ghana said the figure is low because of certain cumbersome policies in the country. Internet usage in Africa stands at 5.3 per cent.
    children_computer
    Eric Akumiah, General Secretary of the Society, called on government to recognize the importance of a multi-stakeholder model of decision making especially on Internet Policy Development.

    “We therefore commit ourselves to engage with government and other stakeholders to enhance confidence, ensure security and encourage innovation at the national level,” the Ghana News Agency quoted him.

    Akumiah was speaking at this year's OneWebDay celebration to draw attention to key internet values. The global theme: "Online Participation in Democracy," would also focus on local internet concerns such as connectivity, censorship, individual skills and creating a global network to protect and defend the internet."

    He added: “As the internet grows and continues to spur economic and social development around the world, the policies and practices of tomorrow must grow from shared principles and vision that underpin our collaboration.”

    To achieve an increased usage there was the need to ensure that human capacities in that area were preserved, Akumiah said, including the ability to connect, innovate, communicate and share information.

    “We also encourage the government to create maximum benefit through networking to draw on the insight and expertise of all stakeholders, especially those from the internet technical community, to conceive and implement an internet-friendly policy framework,” he stated.

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