Tema, Oct. 19, GNA - Mr Edward Danso, Chief Executive Officer, of Leda

Systems Limited, Information Technology Consultants, at the weekend underscored the need for developing nations to make huge investments in Information Communication Technology (ICT). He said such an investment would facilitate greater socio-economic benefits at the minimum cost, stressing: "Technology and invention is what drives our world today, it fuels economies, and aims to make our world simpler."

Mr Danso made the call at a day's ICT Career Exposition for corporate organisations, young entrepreneurs, school leavers and the general public in Tema. "These days our world is literally being saturated with new technologies, in just about any form, shape and size," he said. The event aimed at presenting career and business opportunities in ICT, was jointly organised by Leda Systems, Unique Computer Technology Enterprise Limited and Computer Users Club of Ghana, with funding from TIGO, a telecommunication company. It had "ICT in a Socio-Economic Development, and the Way Forward" as its theme. Mr Danso said the time had come for developing countries to develop their own ICT strategies creatively on available experience, to configure their technical and human resources. He observed that knowledge and understanding in the world of technology and innovation was expanding at a rapid pace, and that the speed at which ICT was developing and its impact on socio-economic activities could not be over-emphasised. Mr Danso pointed out that ICT had been integrated into virtually every facet of the lives of Ghanaians, including commerce, education and governance. He said it had become a critical factor in creating wealth worldwide, hence the need for Ghana not to exclude herself from the technological revolution.

Mr Robert Kempes Papa Nii Ofosuware, Metropolitan Chief Executive, shed light on the Economic Commission for Africa's ICT for Accelerated Development process in Africa He said: "It operates within the context of the Africa Information Society Initiative, and serves as a framework for a radical socio-economic transformation of African countries through the deployment and the exploitation of ICTs." Mr Ofosuware said the National Agenda for Good Governance and socio-economic development identified ICT as one of the priority areas, and pledged government's determination to harness the full potential of ICT delivery. In a presentation on "Maximising Your Potential," Ms Ivy Lawson, Entrepreneur and Industrial Consultant, urged Ghanaians to utilize their skills, talents and potentials, to create wealth not only to improve their lot, but to benefit the entire society. Ms Lawson asked the youth to set goals for themselves and endeavour to achieve them with their God-given talents. Mr Samuel Lartey, Author and Banker, whose topic was: "War For Talents," said with the right attitude, commitment and sacrifice on the part of Ghanaians, success would surely crown their efforts. 19 Oct. 09