Ghana Launches Policy Document On IT

A new document that will usher Ghana into a Golden Age of Information Technology (IT) has been launched in Accra. The 11-page document known as “Framework for the development of a strategic national Information Technology policy” was out-doored by the Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr. Felix Owusu Agyepong.

The document among other things provides for the establishment by a Presidential Instrument of a National Information Technology Agency (NITA) outfit to co-ordinate efficient and cost-effective implementation of IT related activities in Ghana. The NITA will be headed by a Chief Information Officer and supported by five executives with professional qualifications in IT. It would be located within the office of the President and would report directly to the President.

The content of the document will be discussed at a two-day round table discussion to be held on September 11 and 12 at GIMPA, Accra under the joint auspicies of the Office of the President and the Ministry of Transport and Communication.

The document proposes the setting up of an IT task force to be responsible for developing the national IT policy. It will also lead to the establishment of a National Institute for Information Technology (NIIT), which will have accreditation status for academic programmes.

A parallel NIIT would also be set up to provide Diploma, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and doctorate degree courses in information management, information technology system analysis, engineering and IT security and regulations.