Information Communication Technology (ICT)

Introduction

Information Communication Technology (ICT) can be defined to include a group of electronic technologies and techniques used to manage information and knowledge. Due to its importance in recent development arena, the 2010 Population and Housing Census for the first time sought information on the ownership of mobile phones, usage of desk top or laptop computers and internet facilities by individuals and households.

ICT is recognized as an important knowledge-based tool necessary for socioeconomic developments. The role of ICT in the economy of Ghana, has been widely recognized though it has not been fully experienced in all parts of the country. The recognition is reflected in the development of a national ICT infrastructure, institutional and regulatory framework for managing the sector, promoting the use of ICT in all sectors of the economy, implementing E-governance in all government institutions and the construction of a National Data Centre as well as regional and district information centers. This chapter presents the data on the use of ICT in the Asunafo South District.

Ownership of Mobile Phones

The data on the population of 12 years and older and those amongst them who own mobile phones and those who use internet reveals that only one out of every three (33.0%) persons 12 years and older in the Asunafo South District own mobile phones compared to a regional average of 40.2 percent. Whiles two out of every five (40%) of the male population 12 years and older own mobile phones, one-quarter (25.7%) of their female counterparts own mobile phones.

Use of Internet
 
The use of internet facilities has increased enormously throughout Ghana in the last two decades. Since its inception communication by using postal services has reduced substantially in favour of electronic mails. Businesses have adopted its use in place of postal services. Individuals use the internet to communicate instead of posting letters. The numerous software programmes which are being developed on daily basis for social networking further 39 entice people to access internet services. With the advancement in technology, people are able to access the internet through mobile devices instead of the fixed line internet facilities.

Out of the population 12 years and older in the Asunafo South District, only 1,108 representing 1.8 percent use the internet, which is lower than the regional average of 3.4 percent. Whiles nearly three out of every 100 males aged 12 years and older use the internet, only one out of every 100 of their female counterparts use the internet.

Household ownership of Desktop or Laptop computer

Ownership of desktop and laptop computers by households is important in enhancing self-study and the use of the internet. Only two out of every 100 households (1.8%) of total households in the district own a laptop or desktop computer. Of the 369 households having desktop/laptop, two percent is male headed households and 1.4 percent is female headed household.