Forum to drive down cost of Internet access in Ghana underway in Accra

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The world’s broadest technology sector coalition, the Alliance for Affordable Internet is hosting an interactive forum focused on driving down the cost of internet access in Ghana.

The forum, the first of its kind in Ghana is uniting diverse sector players such as policy makers, technology pioneers, civil society groups, campaigners and researchers, among others to share insights on effective cheap internet access.

They will also hammer out a new, long-term national plan designed to empower Ghana to slash broadband costs through lasting policy change and technological innovations.

Government of Ghana which recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the A4AI is partnering organizers of the forum.

The assembly of diverse range of technology innovators hopes to share insights and debate solutions, identify and tackle a number of challenges affecting the sector which include lack of terrestrial fibre, policies and taxes which limit the best use of telecommunications infrastructure.

The forum is also expected to address the high cost of telecommunications equipment, often fuelled by taxation policies, and exacerbated by recent increases in value-added tax (VAT) due to government fiscal pressures whilst promoting internet usage which is said to be low through awareness creation among the citizenry.

Despite the recent landing of four new fibre optic submarine cables in Ghana, broadband remains too expensive for most Ghanaians and is largely an urban phenomenon. The International Telecommunication Union estimates that only 17% of Ghanians currently use the internet. By drawing on the expertise of A4AI’s 54 members which include Omidyar Network, Google, the UK DFID and USAID - and the input of key actors in Ghana, this initiative hopes to build on recent progressive policies by the Government of Ghana and ensure that affordable broadband and universal access become a reality.

Ghana’s Communication Minister, Edward Kofi Omane Boamah says Ghana must build on its past glory of being among first countries in Africa to have connected to internet.

‘Ghana was amongst the first countries in Africa to connect to the Internet and in the last few years we have seen a surge in Internet usage and mobile broadband connections. However, we know we need to build on these successes so that all Ghanaians have access to affordable broadband.

Our New Broadband policy, which has just been finalised, is evidence of our focus, commitment and plans for achieving this goal by 2020.

According to him, the partnership with A4AI will not only open avenues with other countries but also improve internet links.

“Our work with A4AI improves our links with other countries in Africa and further afield that have similar aims. It also provides another platform for collaboration with them, as well as national and international private sector and civil society stakeholders.” Dr Boamah said in a statement.

But to Sonia Jorge, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Affordable Internet, the forum would catapult policy change in Ghana as it focuses on affordable access for people living below poverty line and those not targeted.

“Today, we hope to plant the seeds of further policy change in Ghana, unlocking the benefits of technological advances and innovation, and driving down the cost of access. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach that can make universal access a reality, so our work here will be grounded upon the principles of consultation and open dialogue. In Ghana, we are particularly concerned with affordable access for those living below the poverty line and those who are most excluded, including women, rural populations and minority groups,” he said.

Speakers at this event at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence include representatives from A4AI; Ghana’s Minister of Communication Edward Omane Boamah, Estelle Akofio Sowah, Head of Google in Ghana; Kwaku Saakyi Addo, Chief Executive Officer at Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and host of others from academia and researchers in Ghana and civil society members.

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