Speech By The Hon. Minister For Information And National Orientation, Mrs. Oboshie Sai Cofie At The 10th Annual Graduation Ceremony Of IBB Centre For Computer Studies At Cape Coast, 15th December 2007

Madam Chairperson
Hon. Ministers of State
Hon. Members of Parliament
Nanaanom
His Eminence Cardinal Appiah-Turkson, Catholic Diocese of Cape Coast,
Rev. Ministers,
The Director,
Management Board of IBB centre for computer studies
Distinguished invited guests
Members of the Press
Students
Ladies and gentlemen

Thank you for inviting me as a Guest Speaker for the 10th Annual Graduation Ceremony of the International Business Bureau Centre for Computer Studies. It is gratifying to note that IBB Centre for Computer Studies started offering courses in computer literacy since 1997 to develop the capacity of the youth in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This is a well thought out programme that, it is hoped will contribute immensely to our development as a nation.

Madam Chairperson,
Indeed, the world has witnessed many revolutions in the Information field in the past. The first one was 6000 years ago when writing was invented. The second information revolution was in 1300 BC when the first written book was published. The third information revolution was triggered by the invention of the printing press in 1455 AD. Every invention has improved productivity and has enhanced the standard of living of mankind.

Madam Chairperson,
We are now witnessing the fourth information revolution - the ICT revolution. Information and Communication Technology has become an all-pervasive technology, which is touching the lives of everyone - men and women, children and youth, businesses and governments, companies and nations. The entire world is getting wired rapidly. The IT phenomenon has brought companies closer to their customers/suppliers and governments closer to their citizens. This has cut down product-cycle time and also improved productivity. Consumers can now buy commodities at a lower cost by avoiding intermediaries. Thanks to Information and Communication Technology, governments are getting more responsive to citizens.

Madam Chairperson,
There is a view that this kind of growth in Information Technology will benefit only the elite population and not the common man. I do not subscribe to this view. I think ICT and other new technologies will be primarily responsible for eradicating poverty as well as strengthening democracy. I believe that IT will be useful as a tool for every poor citizen to demand and secure his or her right to information.

With the knowledge economy at the forefront, much attention is focused on information and communication technologies. The fusion of computers and communications - especially through the Internet - has broken the bounds of access, time and distance, launching the era of global information networking.
It is in recognition of this fact that Government has put in place an Information and Communication Technology for Accelerated Development (ICT4AD) policy to govern and facilitate all ICT-related programmes and activities with the main aim of establishing an information-led economy and a knowledge-based society.

In my view, the theme for this occasion “Promoting Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for National Development” is very appropriate.

Madam Chairperson,
The Government, through its institutions like the Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the Ministry of Communications, is making every possible effort to support the deployment and application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in all sectors of the economy.

A lot of progress has been made in the deployment and application of ICTs in various sectors. Most Government and private organisations have been computerised and networked.

The Computer has now replaced the typewriter we used to have in offices. This computerisation process is ongoing and very soon the entire system in both Government and private sectors will witness the full deployment of ICT tools/equipment. IT Enabled Services have sprung in almost all the areas of our economy.

Madam Chairperson,
Our financial sector, specifically, the banking industry is fully computerised and networked. Today if you have an account with the Ghana Commercial Bank in Cape Coast for example, you can withdraw money from that account in any part of Ghana. The same applies to other banks.

The Custom Excise and Preventive Service (CEPs) is another area where ICT has tremendously improved the system of clearing goods in our Ports using the GcNet facility.

Madam Chairperson,
Government has developed a National Portal where you can have a quick and an easy access to information on Ghana on the internet The address of the portal is www.ghana.gov.gh. Government is also establishing Community Information Centres (CICs) in all the 230 constituencies in the country to enable the citizens at the grassroots to access information in their communities in a timely manner.

These Centres are equipped with computers and other Communication gadgets to facilitate the process of gathering and disseminating government information to the people. These few examples I have stated, are concrete proof that ICT is an effective and efficient tool for national development.

Madam Chairperson,
I will therefore urge management of IBB to give the students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills in ICT that will enable them to be marketable in the IT industry. The market is very promising and more job opportunities are being created in this industry. Students should be exposed more to the practical aspect of ICT where they can practise the knowledge acquired.

To the graduands, I will urge you to support the IT industry by giving of your best when given a job opportunity to serve your community. You should explore more avenues in this field so as to enhance your skills and to render quality services to the nation. The sky should be your limit in the application of the knowledge and skills acquired in ICT. Ghana needs your support in its quest to move to a middle income status by 2010.

Madam Chairperson,
I wish to thank the authorities of the Centre for creating an enabling environment for the promotion of ICT and for taking the graduands through their various courses of study successfully. You must ensure that the Centre is always equipped with modern facilities to support teaching and learning activities in the school. One day, I am sure, this school will become one of the leading ICT training institutions in Ghana and in West Africa.

Madam Chairperson, distinguished Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to thank you all for your attention and may the Good Lord bless us all.
Thank you.

Source: ISD
Posted: 17/12/07

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