President Mahama, Microsoft Talks Open New Chapter in Ghana’s Digital Transformation
President John Dramani Mahama has called for a strategic partnership between Ghana and Microsoft to advance digital skills development, cybersecurity, youth employment and the development of home-grown technology.
The President made the call during high-level discussions with executives of Microsoft in New York on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, as part of his engagements with global technology and business leaders to attract investment and support Ghana’s economic transformation.
President Mahama urged Microsoft to move beyond providing technology and services to Ghana and partner with the country to develop the skills and technological capacity needed to create jobs and build solutions for the African market.
“We are resetting Ghana for a new era of productivity, investment and job creation. I invite Microsoft to become a strategic partner in that transformation. Let us build in Ghana, not simply sell to Ghana, and together develop the skills, technologies and African solutions that can serve a market of more than 1.4 billion people,” he said.
The discussions focused on digital skills development, youth employment, cybersecurity and the responsible use of technology, with emphasis on creating opportunities for Ghana’s young population to participate in the digital economy.
President Mahama said Ghana’s digital transformation must translate into practical opportunities for young people, particularly through skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship and access to employment.
He also stressed the need to strengthen Ghana’s cybersecurity architecture as the country expands its use of digital technologies across public and private sectors.
The engagement forms part of the President’s broader efforts to forge strategic partnerships with leading global corporations and align investment and technology cooperation with the Government’s Reset Agenda.
The partnership discussions also centred on the development of locally relevant technological solutions that can respond to Ghana’s needs while serving the wider African market.
President Mahama said collaboration with global technology companies should help Ghana build the human capital and technological capacity required to compete in an increasingly digital global economy.
The engagement with Microsoft is part of the President’s wider programme of meetings with international businesses and technology companies during his participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Through these engagements, Ghana is seeking to attract investment, expand technology partnerships, develop digital skills and create employment opportunities as the country pursues its broader economic transformation agenda.
Mrs Ethel Cudjoe Amissah
ISD, Washington
