By: Van
Soul Addey
Ghana and the United States
have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in
digital technology, cybersecurity, investment and innovation following a
courtesy call on the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations,
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, by a delegation from the US Embassy in Ghana.
The delegation was led by
Mr. Faris Asad, who is taking over as the new US Ambassador to Ghana. The visit
was primarily to formally introduce Mr. Asad to the Minister ahead of his
assumption of the ambassadorial role.
Discussions focused on
opportunities for deeper Ghana-US cooperation in developing Ghana’s digital
economy and attracting strategic technology investments, with particular
attention to data centre development, potential partnerships with global
technology companies such as Amazon, and the expansion of cloud computing
infrastructure through Amazon Web Services (AWS).
The engagement also explored
opportunities for job creation, technology transfer and collaboration with
Ghanaian educational and research institutions.
Hon. George highlighted
Ghana’s ambition to position itself as a strategic destination for technology
investment in Africa, citing the country’s growing digital infrastructure,
skilled human resource base and strategic geographical location.
The Minister also
underscored the importance of expanding 5G connectivity beyond major urban
centres, improving access to affordable entry-level smartphones and
strengthening local capacity in cybersecurity and emerging technologies,
including artificial intelligence.
Both sides further explored
opportunities for collaboration in skills development, technology training and
research, with emphasis on ensuring that investments in the digital sector
translate into meaningful opportunities for Ghanaians.
The US delegation also
included the outgoing Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Rolf Olson; Economic Counsellor,
Dr. Andrew G. Winkelman; Commercial Counsellor, Ms. Rachel Kreissl; and
Regional Environment, Science, Health and Technology Chief, Mr. Anthony Eterno.
