Accra: Mr Michael Asun, an educationist and IT expert, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to prioritize the advancement of technology in the country to facilitate development. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr Asun highlighted the importance of IT in driving community and national development.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Asun acknowledged the efforts of previous administrations in promoting technology, including the installation of CCTV cameras in local areas and the introduction of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in senior high schools. He noted that these initiatives have positively impacted communities and businesses, with many now embracing technology in their operations.
'We are fast moving from paperwork to online systems and other technical solutions. Today, tasks that required a thousand people can now be accomplished by one person with the help of a single computer. Communities are quickly adapting to this shift,' he emphasized. Mr Asun pointed out the increasing adoption of CCTV cameras by local businesses as an example of this change, explaining that businesses previously relied on watchmen, some of whom were unable to perform due to old age. 'Today, many shops use CCTV cameras to enhance security,' he added.
He also highlighted how technology is transforming advertising, stating, 'Marketing is no longer just about banners and radio adverts. Many business owners now use platforms like Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp, and Instagram to market their products. This shift is possible because of advancements in IT,' he stated.
On the education front, Mr Asun advocated for Information Technology to be made a core subject in schools, suggesting that IT should be a mandatory subject for all students. 'Even if some choose to specialize in other areas later, every child should have a strong foundation in technology,' he stated.
Mr Asun has therefore urged President Mahama and the Minister of Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, to prioritize technological advancements in their policies, stressing that technology is key to the nation's development.
