‘Government is an impediment rather than an enabler’ – Bright Simons on digital platforms
Vice-President and head of Research at the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, Bright Simons, warned that government can obstruct the digital opportunities ordinary Ghanaians rely on for work and income.
Vice-President and IMANI Centre for Policy and Education head, Bright Simons, cautioned that government can hinder digital opportunities for ordinary Ghanaians. He urged policymakers to eliminate barriers to digital platforms and steer clear of licensing requirements without proper consideration. At Joy News' Digital Economy Forum on AI and the Ghana Economy, Simons highlighted ride-hailing and e-commerce services as examples of platforms benefiting ordinary people.
"I’m a big believer in the fact that when it comes to those kinds of things, typically the government is an impediment rather than an enabler," he stated. Users have learned to navigate these platforms without formal instruction, developing map and location services skills. Simons argued that government policy should focus on removing obstacles, not blocking people from using technology productively.
He opposed licensing proposals for Uber, Bolt, and other platforms, saying they would impose burdens on local governments. He also warned against poorly considered rules for developers, noting public opposition. Simons extended this argument to content creation, emphasizing that people have developed social media and audience-building skills without dedicated schools teaching them.
He maintained that identifying regulatory obstacles was a practical way to improve lives, not just a theoretical discussion.
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