Accra, Ghana – The 2025 Ghana Internet Governance Forum (Ghana IGF 2025), held on June 5th at the Accra International Conference Center (AICC), concluded with resounding success, affirming its pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s digital landscape. Under the unifying theme, “Building an Inclusive Digital Future Together,” the forum, organized by the Ghana Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Advisory Group and the Ghana Domain Name Registry, served as a critical platform for robust discussions, collaborative efforts, and the exchange of diverse perspectives across a wide spectrum of stakeholders.
The day’s proceedings commenced with a powerful Opening Ceremony that set an inspiring tone for the entire forum. We were deeply honored by the Welcome Address and Opening Remarks delivered by Hon. Akanvariba Lydia Lamisi, Minister of State in Charge of Public Sector Reforms and Chair of Ghana IGF. The forum was graced by the invaluable insights of esteemed guest speakers, including Anja Gengo from the IGF Secretariat Geneva, Amrita Choudhury, Chair of IGFSA, Lily Edinam Botsyoe, Ghana Youth Coordinator, Awo Aidam Amenyah, Executive Director of Child Online Africa, and the revered Prof. Nii Narku Quaynor, often hailed as the Father of the Internet in Africa. Their contributions, alongside those of Dr. Mactar Seck from UNECA, and distinguished Special Guest of Honour like Mr. Kyrre Holm, Deputy Head of Mission, Norwegian Embassy underscored the paramount importance of collective action in fostering a truly inclusive digital future.
A pivotal Plenary Session addressed the pressing issue of “Addressing disinformation and misinformation while upholding human rights in Ghana.” Expertly moderated by Shamima Muslim, Deputy Government Spokesperson, the panel engaged in vital dialogue, with contributions from Bridget Andere (Access Now), Benedict Sagoe (Ghana Domain Name Registry), Vivian Affoah (Media Foundation for West Africa), , and Gervin Emmanuel Appiah (DoubleOSEC). This discussion highlighted the complex challenge of balancing information flow with the protection of fundamental human rights in the digital age.
The forum’s commitment to national development was further demonstrated in the High-Level Panel on “Driving Digital Inclusion and Transformation in Ghana.” This session brought together key architects of the nation’s digital strategy, moderated by Ms. Naa Dede Tettey from Gh ONE TV. Following a valuable presentation by Silas Peprah of PAIX Data Centres, the panel featured influential voices such as Dr. Sofo Tanko Rashid-Computer (GIFEC Administrator), Sarah Kekeli Akunor (Digital Inclusion Advocate), Josephine Miliza (APC), and Dr. Mark-Oliver Kevor (Director General, NITA). Their insights provided a roadmap for accelerating digital access and fostering innovation across all sectors.
Building trust in the digital realm was a core focus of Panel Discussion Three, dedicated to “Cybersecurity and Data Protection in Ghana.” Moderated by Prof. Kester Quist-Aphetse, the session opened with a powerful personal testimony from Ethel Margaret Enyonam Sebuabe, a Professional Nurse and cyber fraud victim, who bravely shared her harrowing experience. This poignant account underscored the real human impact of cyber threats, setting the stage for expert discussions by Isaac Socrates (Cyber Security Authority), Enock Wilson Essuman (Data Protection Commission), Gervin Emmanuel Appiah (DoubleOsec), and Maame Sarpong ESQ (G.A. Sarpoong & Co). The panel provided crucial insights into securing Ghana’s digital space and protecting its citizens’ data.
Addressing the needs of Ghana’s expanding online population, the “Online Trust & Safety: Ensuring a secure experience for newly connected people” panel explored proactive strategies. Moderated by Gifty Asamoah, Co-Founder of the Women’s Committee (Internet Society Ghana Chapter), the discussion featured Confidence Mawusi (Child Online Protection), Joshua Opoku Agyemang (IoT Network Hub), Michael Coffie (Ghana Communication Technology University), and Alexander Mawusi Snr (University of Education, Winneba). Their collective expertise highlighted the importance of digital literacy and robust safety mechanisms for new internet users.
A cornerstone of Ghana IGF 2025 was its unwavering commitment to youth engagement. The Ghana Youth Internet Governance Forum (Ghana Youth IGF), a vibrant and dedicated track, empowered young minds to actively shape Ghana’s digital future. The Youth IGF kicked off with an insightful presentation by Ida Na-Tei, Founder of CTN Technologies, titled “Behind the Screen: Internet Governance and You.” This was followed by a dynamic panel, “Shaping Tomorrow Today: A Digital-Forward Vision for Youth in Ghana,” moderated by Sarah Naa Ayee Odeo Adey, featuring contributions from Ato Ulzen-Appiah, Sylvian Kimkpe, Huzaifa Abdulai, and Dr. Angela Tabiri, PhD. Interactive study groups delved deeper into critical areas such as IG Mentoring, Digital Rights and AI Policy, Bridging Access and Inclusion, and Youth Innovation, culminating in valuable recommendations that were integrated into the forum’s overall communique.
Equally inspiring was the Ghana Children Internet Governance Forum (Children IGF), a forward-looking session designed to bring the voices of our children into crucial discussions around the internet’s future. Expertly facilitated by Child Online Africa, this vital track underscored the forum’s dedication to creating a safe, beneficial, and inclusive online environment for Ghana’s youngest internet users. The children were especially delighted to be joined by Hon. Akanvariba Lydia Lamisi and Prof. Nii Narku Quaynor, who took the time to motivate and speak directly to the young participants, emphasizing the importance of their early engagement in shaping the digital landscape.
Ghana IGF 2025 stands as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to leveraging the internet for national development, ensuring that its benefits are accessible, safe, and inclusive for every citizen. The insights gained and connections forged during this forum will undoubtedly contribute significantly to “Building an Inclusive Digital Future Together.”
