Accra, Sept. 22, GNA - Internet usage in Ghana is a mere 2.7 per cent as compared to 5.3 per cent in Africa, Mr. Eric Akumiah, General Secretary, Internet Society, Ghana, said on Monday.

He said the figure was a low because of some policies and 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."

Mr. Akumiah said this 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."

"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," Mr Akumiah added. He said to achieve an increased usage there was the need to ensure that human capacities in that area were preserved, 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," Mr. Akumiah said.