In spite of the growing adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) policies and less expensive sophisticated technology, Ghana is unable to capitalise on ICT to maximum advantage as a tool for enhancing living standards, creating new business opportunities and cross border linkages within Africa.

Those were part of the concerns of Mr. Alan Kyeremateng, former Minister of Trade, Industry and Presidential Special Initiative in the NPP government. He expressed these concerns during the launching of the 6th Industry and Technology Exhibition (INDUTECH) in Accra, with the theme: “Transforming Ghana's Industrial Sector through ICT”.

The launch was made during the NPP regime. He explained further that linkages with the global markets have been similarly constrained, although many countries in Africa have started ICT policy reforms and service penetration. However, quality and tariffs have not yet improved.

It is very evident in Ghana that poor ICT infrastructure, coupled with weak policy and regulatory framework and limited human resources, have resulted in inadequate access to affordable information gadgets such as computers, telephones and the internet.

Mr. Kyeremateng stressed in his address that the rapid advances in technology and the diminishing cost of acquiring new ICT tools have opened new windows of opportunity for Ghana and Africa as a whole to accelerate their development and economic growth.