The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has reiterated government's commitment to ensuring realistic data charges by the end of this year.According to him the data committee that was set up in February to engage with the telecoms had submitted its road map which would finally lead to what was acceptable to all providers and the users.Mr Nartey George gave the assurance during activities to commemorate this year's World Telecommunication and Information Society Day celebrations in Accra yesterday.The event which was climaxed with a flag raising ceremony was themed; "Gender Equality in Digital Transformation."He indicated that a lot of consultation was needed with the providers to keep their business afloat while at the same time protecting the consumer hence the need for tact.To this end, he urged the public to exercise patience while efforts were being made to arrive at a consensus acceptable to all players.Mr George urged the public to invest deliberately in the futures of the girl child, explaining that the 'Girls in ICT' programme was a flagship initiative aimed at bridging the gender digital divide by equipping girls with skills and spend."This initiative is not charity.
It is a strategy.
It is a digital economy that excludes women.
It is one that limits its own potential, we need to take deliberate steps to dismantle the barriers that prevent women and girls from fully participating in the digital world through digital education, and mentorship.Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Communication Authority (NCA), Mr Edmond Fianko urged consumers to be patient as stakeholders worked together in their long-term interests to deliver reliable, secure, high-quality and affordable communication services in Ghana.The authority he stated had strengthened its focus on consumer protection, and was intensifying quality of service monitoring, verification of billing accuracy, terminal device testing, type approval, market surveillance, and complaints management.On her part, the Minister of Gender ,Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, said the internet offered girls and women several opportunities in areas such as education, health, marketing, entertainment and socialization.She cautioned girls and women over the use of the internet in order not to be lured into becoming victims of cybercrimes or groomed to become perpetrators of cybercrimes.The Acting UN Resident Coordinator, Edmond Mukala urged for more support for women and girls to empower them with digital skills and access to technology in order to unlock their full potential.BY LAWRENCE VOMAFA-AKPALU
