Produce home-grown systems for development - ICT professionals advised

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professionals have been advised to develop home-grown operating systems (OS) and policies that promote innovation, digital literacy and skills development. 

This would help build a robust digital economy capable of transforming the lives of Ghanaians, driving industrialisation and creating opportunities for all in the local economy.

“This government is much interested in local solutions to the point that we want to see Ghanaians put up an operating system that governments can say this is our OS and this is what we want to use in Ghana.

“We don’t want to be paying in dollars, huge license fees for operating systems because all those contribute to impact our currency. So we want solutions that are homegrown that government can utilise,” the acting Director-General of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), Dr Mark-Oliver Kevor said. 

Anniversary

He was speaking at the eighth-anniversary celebration of the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana last Friday.

The ceremony, which featured the swearing-in of new members, was on the theme, “Transforming lives through ICT: Eight years impact and inspiration”.

Dr Kevor said the theme aligned with the government’s vision of leveraging technology as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and overall national development.

The acting DG of NITA underscored the need for robust regulation within the ICT ecosystem to protect consumers and enhance the credibility of ICT professionals.

“Currently, anybody can just get up and say, he/she is an ICT professional, get into an organisation, including government organisations, take a contract, take a job, do a bad job, and then we start complaining. That is the reason why we must regulate the ICT professionals,” he added.

He announced that the government would curb this problem by conducting a thorough review of existing laws such as the Data Protection Act and the Cyber Security Act, to create a clear framework for ICT professionals in Ghana.

That, he said, was aimed at ensuring that only certified professionals engage in ICT-related work, thereby enhancing the credibility and quality of services in the sector.

Additionally, he said the government's ambitious Digital Jobs Initiative also aims to create 300,000 jobs in the ICT sector, ensuring that Ghana remained a leader in digital innovation.

Plans

The Executive Director of the institute, Richard Kafui, announced his outfit’s plans to drive innovation and growth in the sector.

The plans include expanding the institute's reach through new programmes and strengthening partnerships with local and international stakeholders. 

He further urged members to actively engage with the institute and contribute their expertise while seeking government support for policies that promote ICT practices and digital inclusion.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Npontu Technologies, Stephane Nwolley, emphasised the urgent need for the government’s support in advancing Africa's technology sector.