At the Ghana-China Business Summit, panelists emphasized the urgent need to integrate basic-level ICT education into national development strategies to fast-track digital transformation. Speakers highlighted that equipping citizens—especially youth and rural communities—with foundational digital skills is key to unlocking innovation, attracting investment, and enhancing Ghana’s competitiveness in the global economy. The summit underscored strong Ghana-China cooperation in advancing tech-driven growth.
The summit, themed “The Big Push“, is convening over 120 Chinese companies and investors alongside Ghanaian policymakers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. It aims to deepen bilateral trade and unlock new growth areas in infrastructure, technology, and industrialization.
During a high-profile panel on innovation, experts stressed that Ghana must equip its youth with foundational digital skills starting as early as primary school in order to position the country for success in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Most basic schools in Ghana already teach ICT as part of the educational curriculum. However gaps persist in rural and semi-urban areas where infrastructure is a challenge.
Tech Skills Must Begin Early
Reverend Kennedy Okosun, Executive Chairman of KRIF Ghana Limited, highlighted that ICT is no longer a futuristic concept but a current imperative.
“ICT is today, now and not tomorrow. We cannot delay any further. It must be made compulsory from the basic level up,” he stressed, advocating for compulsory ICT education across all levels. He argued that Ghana’s policy and legal frameworks must evolve to match the demands of a fast-digitising world.
Backing this view, Derick D. Akubia, Director of International Relations at Capital Shipping Ghana Limited, underscored the economic urgency of digital adoption.
“Technology is not optional; it is a necessity. Ghana must get on the global digital bus or risk being left behind,” he said, urging companies to integrate digital platforms to enhance efficiency and customer service.
Dr. Lionel Lawson, CEO of Gtech Solutions, pushed for locally developed digital content, noting that most coding and robotics curricula currently taught in Ghanaian schools are imported and lack contextual relevance. He called for an educational shift that nurtures young talent through coding, AI, and robotics using tools tailored to Ghana’s developmental needs.
China as a Strategic Partner
Bringing an international perspective, Prof. Li Hui of Perkins University in China pointed to Chinese innovations as a model for Ghana’s digital leap. He said China stands ready to collaborate by providing affordable, globally competitive technology solutions.
“Chinese innovations can help Ghana leapfrog its development stages,” he remarked, positioning Chinese-Ghanaian partnerships as a key enabler of rapid digital growth.
With Ghana’s youth comprising over 57% of the population under 25, panellists agreed that digital education is no longer a policy choice but a national imperative.
Last Updated on June 27, 2025 by Senel Media
