Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive digital development as it hosted the 2025 Ghana Internet Governance Forum (Ghana IGF) at the Accra International Conference Center.
Themed “Building an Inclusive Future Together,” the event brought together policymakers, tech experts, civil society leaders, international development partners, academics and young innovators to discuss the country’s digital future.
In a keynote speech delivered on behalf of the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, highlighted the urgent need for inclusive and transparent governance in Ghana’s digital transformation.
Addressing a packed audience of local and international participants, the Minister emphasised that digital progress must benefit all sectors of society not just a privileged few.
“It is a great honour to welcome you all to the 2025 Ghana Internet Governance Forum,” the Minister began. “This forum exists to ensure that decisions about our digital future are not made behind closed doors but through open, inclusive, and informed dialogue among all stakeholders.”
The Minister of State for Public Sector Reform, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, has stated that Ghana must be bold in its digital ambitions while remaining rooted in its values and realities.
She emphasised the need for innovation anchored in practical action and inclusive governance.
“Let us be bold in our thinking but grounded in our genesis. Let us be open to new ideas, but frank in our promise,” she urged.
“Let us ensure that the outcomes of this program do not sit on the shelf, but translate into real action – in our laws, in our systems, and in the lives of our citizens.”
The forum, which brought together government officials, digital experts, civil society actors, and development partners, marked a key step in shaping Ghana’s forward-looking digital agenda.
The event launch, Children’s Internet Governance Forum, is an initiative designed to give children a voice in the shaping of digital policies that affect them.
“As we navigate the complexities of Internet governance, it is essential to include the voices of children and youth who are not only users but future leaders in the digital space,” the Minister noted.
The minister expressed optimism that the dialogue would yield actionable recommendations to inform national policy, while highlighting the importance of collaboration across sectors.
As Ghana commemorates 30 years of full international internet connectivity, the dialogue also featured reflections from Professor Nii Narku Quaynor, renowned as the “Father of the Internet in Africa.”
The initiative aims to provide children with a safe space to learn about online safety, digital rights, and responsible technology use.
The event’s agenda was packed with discussions and workshops held simultaneously in three venues: the main Ghana IGF, the Ghana Children’s IGF, and the Ghana Youth IGF.
The forums focused on a range of pressing issues including misinformation, cybersecurity, online safety, data protection and the ethical use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
The day started with a panel discussion on disinformation and human rights, moderated by Deputy Government Spokesperson Shamima Muslim.
The panel featured media experts, cybersecurity analysts and representatives from Ghana’s Domain Name Registry and the Ghana Journalists Association.
As the forum progressed, more panels and breakout sessions explored key themes such as digital inclusion, national cybersecurity strategies, and the promotion of digital literacy.
The Ghana Youth IGF, in particular, provided a platform for young innovators and thought leaders to discuss how Ghana’s youth can play a central role in shaping the country’s digital future.
Sessions included discussions on AI policy, digital rights, and youth-led innovation, while study groups tackled topics like online safety and access for underserved communities.
Speakers at the forum included prominent figures such as; Prof. Nii Narku Quaynor, recognised as the Father of the Internet in Africa; Rev. Ing. Edmund Fianko, Director General of the National Communications Authority; Dr. Mactar Seck from UNECA and Dr. Angela Tabiri, STEM advocate and one of the world’s most influential young mathematicians.
Closing the event, Dr. Sofo Tanko Rashid-Computer, Vice Co-Chair of the Ghana IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group, praised the active participation of all groups, especially the youth and children.
He noted that their recommendations and contributions would feed directly into Ghana’s national digital policy agenda.
The forum concluded with the presentation of communiqués from the main forum, the Youth IGF, and the Children’s IGF, followed by closing remarks and a commitment to continue collaboration across sectors.
