The Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) has commenced in Accra, Ghana’s capital, with a call to governments in the global south to prioritize digital inclusion for all citizens.
Speakers from across Africa are emphasizing the importance of ensuring affordable and accessible internet for all segments of society during the three-day forum.
Dr. Aida Opoku-Mensah, the Vice Chairman of the Board at Paradigm Initiative, urged participants to remain dedicated to advancing digital rights and inclusion, emphasizing the significance of embracing diverse perspectives and unity as a collective strength.
She highlighted PIN’s platforms, including Ripoti for reporting digital rights abuses and Ayeta for providing digital security assistance to human rights defenders, journalists, and activists.
Dr. Opoku-Mensah also mentioned PIN’s annual report, Londa, which offers valuable insights into digital rights and inclusion across 26 African countries, serving as a guiding tool for policymakers, civil society organizations, governments, academia, and other stakeholders.
Furthermore, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, the Director-General of Ghana‘s Cybersecurity Authority, emphasized that digital inclusion goes beyond mere internet access. It also involves equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to actively engage in the digital economy.
He highlighted Ghana’s progress in utilizing digital services like e-government platforms, internet banking, and online education while acknowledging the existing access gap that disproportionately affects marginalized groups and exacerbates socio-economic disparities.
The forum, organized by Paradigm Initiative in collaboration with partner organizations, offered a platform for discussions, launches, and networking opportunities.
With the theme of “Fostering Rights and Inclusion in the Digital Age,” the forum featured 80 sessions covering various topics under sub-themes such as Trust and Accountability, Data Protection, Privacy and Surveillance, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, and Digital Inclusion and Marginalized Groups, addressing crucial areas in the evolving tech landscape.
