Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) hold tremendous potential
for rural development in Ghana in the areas of agriculture, health, Micro and
Small Enterprises (MSEs), and education. Using the theoretical sampling method,this
paper takes a closer look at the ICT scene in Ghana from 2000 to 2011 with
emphasis on the role of ICTs in rural development.The paper also draws
attention to the efforts made by past and present governments of Ghana to solve
the major problems facing ICTs development in Ghana. Investigations from the
study revealed that ICTs play major roles in the socio economic development of
rural areas in Ghana with a huge potential for accelerated development in
these rural areas. ICTs have contributed immensely to improve
communications, deepen decentralization, and attract Micro and Small
Enterprises (MSEs). ICTs have also contributed in automation of Rural Banks,
networking, information sharing and the provision of ICT enhanced distance learning
in the rural areas of Ghana. However, there are some serious challenges
militating against the full realization of ICTs role in Ghana’s rural
development. Issues such as unavailability of electricity, lack of ICTs
equipment, high level of illiteracy, user acceptance and local content have to be
addressed before the full potential of ICTs role in Ghana’s rural development
can be achieved. Some recommendations are made as to what the government
and other development agencies can do to address these challenges.
