Africa must fund its own digital future or risk dependence, says Deputy Minister for Education
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Deputy Minister for Education, Clement Abas Apaak, emphasized that Africa needs to invest in its own digital infrastructure and expertise to achieve technological independence. Speaking at the eLearning Africa conference in Accra, he identified the lack of African-owned digital infrastructure as a major hurdle to the continent's technological ambitions. Apaak stressed the importance of mobilizing resources to build infrastructure and train experts to domesticate AI, thereby protecting African history, culture, and value systems. He cautioned that relying solely on external actors would prevent emerging technologies from reflecting African interests. The Deputy Minister also highlighted that ambitious digital transformation plans require adequate financial commitment from African governments. He questioned whether dependence on foreign technology companies would allow African countries genuine control over their digital future. Apaak proposed a continental funding mechanism, suggesting African governments commit 1-2% of their annual GDP to a fund for building continent-level digital infrastructure. This investment, he explained, would lay the groundwork for domesticating digital technology and artificial intelligence. He noted the global imbalance in the technology sector, pointing out that Africa has yet to produce a leading technology giant. Apaak urged African leaders to collectively mobilize resources to secure the continent's digital future.
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Must ReadMoses Foh-Amoaning, a conservative strategist, advised African legislators to reject LGBTQ+ advocacy as an established part of international law. Speaking at a policy summit on traditional values and state sovereignty, Foh-Amoaning stated that Western groups are using a deceptive strategy to alter domestic legal frameworks. He dismissed the link between LGBTQ+ protections and fundamental human rights as a fabrication, urging parliamentarians and policymakers not to be misled by the human rights argument, which he called "a lie from hell." Foh-Amoaning argued that terminology concerning constitutional or sexual rights has been artificially linked to LGBTQ+ advocacy without actual legal support. He claimed these protections were introduced through aggressive legal reinterpretation and external political pressure rather than being explicitly written into global agreements. He encouraged lawmakers to disregard fears of diplomatic or legal retaliation, asserting that resisting these norms does not violate genuine international treaties. He characterized advocacy networks as highly organized, agenda-driven entities that use misleading legal rhetoric, and he urged legislators to confidently reject this foreign pressure.
Must ReadDeputy Minister for Education, Clement Abas Apaak, has called on African leaders to increase investment in digital infrastructure to reduce reliance on foreign technology companies and enhance digital independence. Speaking at the eLearning Africa Conference in Accra on June 4, 2026, Apaak highlighted Africa's limited presence among global technology leaders, noting that out of the top ten, not one is African, with nine being American. He questioned the continent's basis for asserting independence if its digital communications still route through Europe and America. Apaak proposed that African governments commit 1-2% of their annual GDP to a fund for building continental digital infrastructure. He emphasized that this investment is crucial for Africa to benefit from advancements in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, ensuring that AI development reflects African realities and priorities. He also stressed the importance of developing local expertise and institutions to drive innovation, protect African history, culture, and value systems, and avoid dependence on external entities whose agendas may not align with Africa's interests.
The Lands Commission has congratulated Lic. Surv. Stephen Djaba and Assoc. Prof. Naa Dedei Tagoe on their elections to leadership roles within the International Federation of Surveyors FIG. Lic. Surv. Djaba was elected Vice President of FIG, and Assoc. Prof. Tagoe was elected Chair of FIG Commission 8 on Spatial Planning and Development. Both were nominated by the Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana LiSAG and their elections took place at the FIG General Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa, from May 24 to May 29, 2026. The Lands Commission views these achievements as significant milestones for Ghana's surveying profession, reflecting the growing influence of LiSAG and the quality of leadership and technical excellence in Ghana's surveying and geospatial sector. The Chairperson of the Lands Commission, Dr. Wordsworth Odame Larbi, and Executive Secretary, Prof. Anthony Owusu-Ansah, highlighted that these elections demonstrate the competence and international stature of Ghana's surveying profession. They expressed the Commission's commitment to strengthening collaboration with FIG, particularly on land administration, spatial planning, land governance, and sustainable development. Both newly elected leaders thanked the Lands Commission, LiSAG, and the Ghanaian surveying community, pledging to promote Ghana's interests within FIG and advance professional development and international collaboration for Ghana and Africa.
Ghanaian social media influencer and transgender activist Angel Maxine has publicly challenged comments made by Communications Minister Sam George regarding homosexuality. Sam George reportedly argued that homosexuality was once classified as a mental disorder and should continue to be regarded as such. Angel Maxine dismissed this assertion as misinformation, defending the rights of 'consenting adults' and stating that homosexuality is not recognized as a mental illness, disorder, or disease by leading medical and psychological institutions. This exchange follows Parliament's second passage of the "Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill," also known as the anti-LGBT+ Bill, which criminalizes identifying as LGBTQ+, same-sex relationships, and the advocacy or funding of LGBTQ+ activities. The bill awaits further oversight and presidential assent.