The 2024 Ghana Internet Governance Forum (IGF) has been launched at the Kofi Annan ICT Conference Hall, focusing on advancing sustainable digital development among Ghanaian youth.
The event, held from 4th to 5th September, 2024, featured the Youth IGF and Main IGF, with a follow-up Ghana Internet Governance School scheduled for 26th September, 2024. The theme, “Navigating the Digital World: Empowering Youth through Meaningful Connectivity for Responsible AI Use and Online Safety,” highlights the forum’s dedication to responsible digital engagement.
Hosted by the Ghana IGF in collaboration with several partners including the Ghana Domain Name Registry, Internet Society Ghana Chapter, and the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD), the forum gathered dignitaries from various ministries and tech industry leaders. Key attendees included Charles Acheampong, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Kofi Yeboah, General Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association and Rev. Dr. Nanayaa Tina Owusu Prempeh, of the Ghana Domain Name Registry.
The co-chair of the Ghana IGF, Nana Kofi Asafu-Aidoo, highlighted the importance of inclusivity in shaping internet governance policies and urged the youth to embrace innovation and the opportunities AI presents. “Somebody has built ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Anthropic on top of the internet, waiting for you to build something on top of it. The future is now, you need to get going, take action, and make sure you use the technology that’s in front of you to the fullest,” he stated.
His words were echoed by Rev. Dr. Nanayaa Tina Owusu Prempeh, who emphasized the transformative power of AI and the importance of continuous learning in the digital age. She explained, “the emerging technologies are making it easier and possible for someone in Hong Kong to educate someone in Ghana. For someone in the rural areas of Ghana to get the same education as someone in the urban areas.” She added, “AI is transforming our minds, the way we think, and so if you refuse to be transformed, you will be left behind.”
Panel discussions addressed key issues such as responsible AI use, cybersecurity, inclusivity for persons with disabilities in tech, and combating misinformation. The two-day event concluded with recommendations aimed at promoting responsible digital practices and expanding digital opportunities in Ghana.
Recommendations for Addressing Disinformation, Misinformation, and Internet Shutdown in the Context of Political Elections
- Avoid Information Vacuums: Ensure continuous and credible flow of information to prevent misinformation from filling the gap.
- Proactive Digital Regulations: Anticipate disinformation and misinformation issues with forward-thinking policies instead of reacting to problems after they arise.
- Innovative Safeguards: Develop and implement creative solutions to protect users in the digital ecosystem.
- Collaboration: Encourage cooperation between electoral stakeholders, like the Electoral Commission, and other institutions to combat misinformation.
- Regulatory Updates: Amend regulations to keep pace with evolving technologies.
- Digital Literacy: Prioritise digital literacy by incorporating it into educational curricula to combat misinformation at its roots.
- Reject Internet Shutdowns: Recognise that cutting off the internet will not stop misinformation but may exacerbate the problem.
- Broad Legislation on False Information: Extend laws against the spread of false information to all citizens, not just media professionals.
- Broadcasting Framework: Establish and enforce regulations for broadcasting in Ghana to address misinformation in media.
- Adopt Global Best Practices: Consider replicating Europe’s Digital Service Act to monitor social media platforms, a key source of misinformation.
Recommendations for Empowering Sustainable Development for Our Digital Future
- Develop the 4Ps: Create a Plan, Policy, Program, and Project for digital infrastructure that emphasises responsible internet use.
- Fast-Track Policy Implementation: Align policy-making and enforcement with the rapid pace of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
- Active Citizenship: Encourage citizens to engage with institutions that promote responsible internet use.
- Localised Practices: Adapt global digital development practices to suit local contexts for sustainable progress.
- Leverage Innovations: Embrace emerging technologies like cybersecurity and blockchain to drive future development.
Recommendations for Fostering Global Digital Equity: Bridging Gaps in Education, Health, Agriculture, and Trade
- Community-Centred Advocacy: Focus on the needs and voices of diverse and marginalised communities when advocating for digital equity.
- Tailored Content: Support community-driven digital initiatives that address specific local needs to bridge digital divides.
- Empathy-Driven Storytelling: Use storytelling to amplify marginalised voices and inspire collective action towards a more inclusive digital environment.
- Controlled Internet Access in Schools: Allow high school and junior high school students, controlled access to the internet rather than totally banning its usage.
- Inclusive Development: Enforce policies that ensure digital solutions are accessible to people with disabilities.
- Government Ownership of Internet Infrastructure: Consider national control over internet infrastructure to manage data usage more effectively and ensure affordability and security.
Recommendations for The Future of Internet Security: How DNSSEC Can Contribute to a Safer Digital Landscape
- Efficient Digital Signatures: Promote the use of strong digital signatures to mitigate data breaches.
- Enable DNSSEC: Adopt Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) for domain validation and data security.
- Education on Security: Continue educating students about domain security and overall internet safety to build a secure digital future.
By Derrick Kafui Deti – Digital Economy Magazine
