The government is committed to reviewing laws to ensure the credibility of Information Communication and Technology(ICT) professionals in the country, the Acting Director General of National Information Technology Agency(NITA), Dr Mark-Oliver Kevor has stated.

Dr Kevor explained that key areas of focus for the review include creating a national information highway to enhance broadband connectivity nationwide, standardising ICT professional certification to align with global best practices and building digital infrastructure as well as promoting innovation.

He was speaking at the eighth anniversary celebration of the Institute of ICT Professionals, Ghana(IIPGH) in Accra on Friday,March 7,2025. It was under the theme “Transforming lives through ICT: Eight years of impact and inspiration.”

Professionalism

Dr Kevor said “in other countries, you can't get a government contract when you are not a professional ICT practitioner.”

“Currently, anybody can just get up and say, I'm 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 professional space” he further pointed out.

Review Acts

Dr Kevor observed that the various Acts such as the NITA Act, the National Communications Authority Act, the Cyber Security Act, the Data Protection Act, and all the relevant acts and instruments must be reviewed to ensure the effective regulation of ICT-related services, including ICT professionals in Ghana. 

“Our goal is to establish a clear legal and regulatory framework that fosters innovation, protects consumers and enhances the credibility of ICT professionals in Ghana” Dr Kevor added. 

Priorities

The acting Director General further revealed that the government is prioritising the expansion of broadband infrastructure, the development of regional ICT parks, and the transformation of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications(GIFEC) into the Digital Economy and Innovation Development Fund. 

He stated that these initiatives are designed to support startups, enhance digital literacy, and create a pipeline for future ICT professionals.

Digital entrepreneurs 

Dr Kevor announced that the government's $50 million Fintech Growth Fund aims to support digital entrepreneurs, ensuring that Ghana remains at the forefront of digital finance and blockchain innovation. 

Another initiative he said is the government's ambitious Digital Jobs Initiative, which aims to create 300,000 jobs in the ICT sector.

He urged IIPGH and all stakeholders present to continue advocating for ICT policies that promote local innovation, digital literacy, and skills development. 

“This government is much interested in local solutions, to the point that we want to see Ghanaians put out operating systems that governments can say, this is our operating system, this is what we want to do in Ghana.

We want solutions that are homegrown, that governments can adopt and utilise” Dr Kevor advised the IIIPGH.

Law

The Minister of Communications,Digital Technology and Innovations, Mr Samuel Nartey George, in a speech read on his behalf said as part of the government's commitment to strengthening Ghana's ICT ecosystem, the ministry fully supports the promulgation of appropriate legislations to formalise and uphold professional standards in the ICT industry, ensuring sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

He expressed his delight about the IIPG Ghana’s hosting of the upcoming TECO Africa Conference, on August 22nd this year.

“This Pan-African gathering of over 600 ICT professionals from over 30 countries will serve as a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy dialogue. I am honoured for my ministry to participate in this prestigious event, and I am confident that it will yield valuable insights and impactful outcomes for the advancement of the ICT sector” he added.

IIPGH future initiatives 

The new Executive Director of the IIPGH, Mr Richard Kafui Amanfu, highlighted the future plans of the company saying he was excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. 

“Some key goals we aim to achieve include expanding our reach. We plan to introduce new programmes and initiatives that would extend our impact to more regions across Ghana. By doing so, we aim to ensure that ICT education and professional development opportunities are accessible to many, regardless of their location” he stated.

He announced that the company will continue to build and strengthen partnerships with local and international stakeholders, collaborating with industry leaders, educational institutions, and government agencies.

“We are committed to providing continuous professional development opportunities for our members through our workshops, seminars, and training sessions that cover a wide range of topics in emerging technologies, from basic digital literacy to advanced technical skills” Mr Amanfu revealed.

He added that promoting digital inclusion is another focal area for the Institute stressing that the company will continue to champion initiatives that promote digital inclusion, particularly for underserved communities and individuals with disabilities.

“In today's fast-paced world, ICT is crucial for economic growth, innovation, and societal development. As technology becomes integral to all aspects of life, it is essential for the nation to prioritise and invest in the ICT sector, which includes telecommunications, internet services, electronic payments, software development, and training institutions” he stated.

Furthermore, Mr Amanfu said the Institute plans to extend its partnership to the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre to attract investments, expand resources, and enhance competitiveness for its members and the broader ICT industry.

“We will strengthen our partnership with the Ghana Education Service to expand our practical training programmes in public schools and communities. These collaborations are essential in addressing key challenges in the sector, including inadequate infrastructure, the shortage of trained personnel, limited access to digital devices, and the need for sustainable job creation” the executive director intimated.

Achievements 

The outgoing Executive Director of IIPGH, Mr David Gowu, on his part, said since its establishment in March 2017, the company has evolved to become a beacon of excellence in ICT with over 2,500 professionals in the organisation.

He said through the company, professional capacities of the youth have been built with about 10,000 of them provided with training.

Mr Gowu expressed gratitude to some media partners such as Business and Financial Times(BFT) that has published over 350 articles in a column allocated to the company for the publication of its information. 

Induction 

About six new members were inducted by the new executive director. They also took an oath.

Other speakers at the function were the Board Chairman of IIPGH, Prof. Fred McBagonluri and the Chief Executive Officer of Npontu Technologies, Dr Stephane Nwolley among others.

Presentation

There were presentations from AFOS Foundation, a German based autonomous and charitable foundation developed to support micro and small businesses. A presentation on women activities was delivered by Mawuse Nyavor-Dusi and Gifty Mottey both from IIPGH.