Bright Simons urges government to remove barriers to digital technology

Bright Simons, the Vice-President and Head of Research at the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, has called on the government to eliminate regulatory hurdles that prevent Ghanaians from accessing digital opportunities. Speaking at the Joy News’ Digital Economy Forum, Simons argued that current policy approaches often act as an impediment to progress rather than an enabler of innovation. He urged policymakers to scrutinize regulatory proposals that could create additional obstacles for individuals seeking to leverage digital platforms.

Simons challenged the notion that formal, organized training is necessary for citizens to master digital platforms effectively. He pointed out that many Ghanaians have acquired sophisticated digital skills through practical, self-taught experience with applications such as WhatsApp, Uber, and various delivery services. "Who builds schools to teach people how to use WhatsApp?" he questioned, suggesting that the organic, practical adoption of technology by the public should guide national policy instead of restrictive top-down mandates.

The IMANI researcher specifically criticized proposals to license digital platforms like Uber and Bolt, warning that such measures create unnecessary obstacles for ordinary users and service providers. He argued that these regulatory interventions often focus on control rather than facilitating a user-friendly environment. According to Simons, the government’s primary role should be to foster a space where digital tools are easily accessible to all, rather than imposing licensing requirements that could stifle growth in the e-commerce and ride-hailing sectors.

Beyond accessibility, Simons addressed national data security, advocating for the development of homegrown email services to protect citizen information. He expressed concern over the reliance on foreign platforms, noting that current systems allow external governments access to the sensitive data of Ghanaian citizens. He urged policymakers to prioritize the creation of local infrastructure to protect national data sovereignty, emphasizing that securing basic communication data is as critical as addressing concerns over emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence.