Promoting Digital Inclusion in Ashanti Region: Assessment of the Adukrom and Asawasi Community ICT Centres

Abstract

Technology is an important tool of this present world; therefore there is a need for individuals to become digitally included to fit into today’s society. The study examined the role of Adukrom ICT Centre and the Asawasi Community ICT Centre in promoting digital inclusion among the people of Adukrom and Asawasi communities in Ashanti Region. The main objectives of this study were to determine the extent of awareness and use of the AIC and ACIC and the challenges the people face in the use of the centres. The quantitative survey research was adopted for this study. The target population comprised individuals in the Adukrom and Asawasi communities, and the managers of both ICT centres. The total population was 47,261. Convenience sampling technique was used for data collection with a sample size of 947. The findings revealed that all the sampled individuals from Adukrom and Asawasi were aware of the ICT centres and they became aware through television and friends. Despite the awareness however, they did not use the centres. Challenges such as poor computer skills, insufficient working hours, slow speed of computers and power outages were discovered. Considering these challenges, the study recommended that the managers of the ICT centres should embark on intensive advertisement on TV, radio and social media platforms to promote the centre and enlighten individuals about the type of services they offer which would also increase awareness of the centres. A further research could be conducted on digital inclusion for sustainable development in Oti region.