Cultural barriers, limited rural connectivity identified as obstacles to digital and financial inclusion

On November 8, the West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANET) organised the second Ghana Digital and Financial Inclusion Roundtable, which brought together professionals to discuss important concerns impeding Ghana’s digital access. 

The event spotlighted the importance of rural connectivity and tackled cultural reservations that impact the adoption of technology in underserved communities.

Barbara Antwi, Assistant Manager of Research and Innovations at the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), highlighted the challenges associated with bringing connectivity to Ghana’s remote areas, particularly due to infrastructure gaps.

“Infrastructural gaps are one of our biggest challenges. Many rural areas that are underserved or unserved lack access to electricity and are not on the grid,” Barbara explained.

These conditions, she observed, create obstacles for setting up communication masts, as GIFEC often has to rely on solar power, which is less effective in densely forested or mountainous regions.

“We have instances where people have to go to specific spots just to get enough bandwidth to make a call,” she noted. 

Barbara also emphasized the need to invest in digital literacy for women and young people in rural communities to equip them with ICT skills. “If we educate women and children in digital skills, they can better navigate ICT and even pursue STEM fields, potentially transforming their communities,” she said.

She stated that increased funding and collaboration with telecommunications companies would also be crucial for establishing a robust network across Ghana.

Maud Ashong Elliot, Vice President of the Internet Society Ghana Chapter, addressed the cultural hesitations in some communities regarding technology adoption. She asserted that supporting rural areas with connectivity often faces opposition due to a lack of community acceptance and understanding of the value of internet access and technology.

“When we try to support rural areas with connectivity, we often encounter resistance. The elders and gatekeepers—chiefs, respected men and women—must understand the value of internet access and technology for us to make headway,” she remarked, emphasising that without community buy-in, investments in digital infrastructure may be met with resistance.

Maud explained further that the reluctance is largely due to fears that technology could erode cultural traditions and negatively influence the youth.

“Many people feel that technology is destroying rather than building their youth,” she said, “and they are more aware of the potential negative impacts than the positive ones, like access to global knowledge and educational resources.”

To overcome these barriers, Elliot recommended a grassroots approach that includes advocacy, scholarships for rural youth, and the incremental introduction of digital literacy. She shared that providing scholarships for young people in these communities to advance their education could foster a gradual shift in attitudes toward technology.

“When they return to their communities with new knowledge, the impact will speak for itself, showing the value of connectivity and technology in a way that is undeniable,” she stated.

Both speakers agreed that advocacy, education, and inclusive policy-making are essential to closing Ghana’s digital divide, especially in rural areas.