Let's demystify Y2K problem - Cdr Griffiths

Accra (Greater Accra) 27 July '99

Commander Peter M. G. Griffiths, a Deputy Minister of Communications, on Monday said demystifying the Y2K problem is a vital component of the strategy to free the nation from that information technology (IT) menace.

"The public is gradually being misinformed about the Y2K and I would not be surprised that some now see it as one of the signs of end times. We need to avert further panic."

Cdr Griffiths was speaking at a one-day forum organised by the Y2K project office of the Ministry for critical state enterprises like the Ministry of Health, Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and some selected organisations.

The more than 50 participants discussed the Y2K problem and how best they could address it individually and collectively.

It has the theme, "Co-operating to resolve the Y2K problem for sustained economic growth".

Y2K is a computer-programming flaw, that could cause computer systems and other electronic devices programmed to record date information in two digits instead of four to malfunction or completely shut down at the turn of year 2000.

Cdr Griffiths, who heads the Y2K office, said a national contingency plan has been drawn up to link up all segments of society to check the threat of Y2K He said most of the organisations were co-operating very well with the office but rebuked the Ministry of Health for non-co-operation.

"The private sector has been very much co-operative. In fact we see them as a great inspiration in our war against the problem."

Mr. Frank Ocran, Chairman of State Enterprise Commission, who presided, expressed the hope that the search for a solution to the problem would lead to the discovery of the IT strength in the country.

" I think we are on the verge of knowing what IT contributes to the development of our society."