Clement Apaak urges African leaders to boost digital infrastructure investment for technological independence
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Deputy 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.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Must ReadA video of New Patriotic Party NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, boasting about his wealth has resurfaced on social media. This follows his conviction and sentencing in the Samreboi illegal mining case. On Monday, July 20, 2026, an Accra High Court sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years' imprisonment with hard labour after finding him guilty on six counts related to illegal mining activities involving Akonta Mining Company Limited. In the resurfaced 2025 interview with GHOne TV's Serwaa Amihere, Wontumi claimed, "Kumasi here, I have about 100 houses. If you go to Kwadaso, there is a place I have built about 69 houses." He added, "Anything they have, I have more. I am the governor of Ashanti." The court imposed two concurrent 20-year prison terms, resulting in an effective 20-year sentence. He was also fined GH₵120,000, with a default three-year prison term if unpaid, while Akonta Mining was fined GH₵180,000. The court ordered the confiscation of excavators, water pumps, firearms, and GH₵157,000 in cash seized during investigations, citing severe environmental damage as a key reason for the sentence.
Kwabena Nsenkyire, former New Patriotic Party NPP Ashanti Regional Vice Chairman, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to grant a presidential pardon to Chairman Wontumi, also known as Bernard Antwi-Boasiako. Chairman Wontumi was sentenced by the Accra High Court to 20 years' imprisonment for illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. The court also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units GH¢120,000, with a default sentence of three years' imprisonment for non-payment. Nsenkyire stated that the news saddened party members but their immediate focus was on ensuring justice. He added that the party would await a briefing from Chairman Wontumi's legal team before deciding on next steps. Nsenkyire urged President Mahama to consider the pardon, citing recent pardons granted to other inmates and suggesting it would enhance the President's reputation as a "father for all" and demonstrate Christian values.
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