Close ICT gap between developed and developing countries

Kumasi, April 28, GNA- Mr Eric Akomea, General Secretary of the Ghana Chapter of the Internet Society, has implored the Internet Society in Africa to be proactive and advocate for their effective inclusion in the development of the policy framework governing Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs).

He said this would help ensure that the benefits of the ICT and the Internet in particular, were evenly available within countries and between the developed and developing parts of the world. Mr Akomea was speaking at a forum organised by his outfit for stakeholders in the ICT industry in Kumasi at the weekend.

It was on the theme "Towards Improved Internet Governance: Managing the Nation's Internet Resource".

The IT specialist said the continuing role of telecommunications monopolies and outdated regulatory barriers in restricting ICT affordability and growth in developing and transitional countries should be a matter of concern to all well-meaning Africans.

This was because the continual existence of such a situation gave room to the perpetuation of online wrong doing, ranging from fraud, copyright infringement, child pornography and other unethical cyber practices.

Mr Akomea noted that in view of the crucial role ICT played on the socio-economic development of developing countries, there was the need for an increased international co-operation in ensuring effective governance of the Internet.

He indicated that such an effort was also necessary to enhance the harmonization of existing laws and regulations governing the usage of the Internet to benefit poor nations.