The Ghana Domain Name Registry (GDNR), in collaboration with the Internet Society (ISOC), organised the highly successful 2023 Ghana Internet Governance Forum (IGF) on the 5th and 6th of July 2023 at the Accra International Conference Centre. As the convener of the event, the GDNR played a pivotal role in facilitating discussions and shaping the future of domain names and e-commerce in Ghana. The forum provided a platform for experts, stakeholders, and industry leaders to explore the evolving landscape of domain names and their profound impact on Ghana’s e-commerce industry.

One of the key sessions during the event was titled “The Future of Domain Names, .GH, and e-commerce in Ghana.” Esteemed panelists, including Mr. Nana Kofi Asafu-Aidoo, Executive Director of the Ghana Domain Name Registry, Mr. David Antwi Ofori, Director of Innovation at the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, and Mr. Shadrack Inusah, Lead of the Google Developers Group, came together to share their insights and expertise.

Mr. Emmanuel Gadasu, CEO of GIT Plus Ltd., skillfully moderated the session, guiding the panelists through compelling discussions and engaging the audience in a meaningful exchange of ideas. The session aimed to explore emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in domain names, with a specific emphasis on the .GH domain extension. The panelists shed light on the strategies and innovations necessary to leverage domain names and the .GH extension to catalyse e-commerce growth in Ghana.

Domain names serve as the cornerstone of an organisation’s digital presence, enabling businesses to establish a unique online identity. The introduction of the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) .GH has been instrumental in fostering a distinct online presence for Ghanaian businesses. As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, it becomes increasingly crucial to envision the future of domain names and their pivotal role in driving Ghana’s e-commerce growth.

The panel discussion provided invaluable insights into the opportunities and challenges surrounding domain names and the .GH extension. Participants delved into topics such as consumer trust, local language domain names, cybersecurity, and the need for robust e-commerce infrastructure. By bringing together a diverse range of perspectives, the session fostered a comprehensive understanding of the strategic pathways for leveraging domain names to fuel e-commerce growth in Ghana.

The 2023 Ghana Internet Governance Forum reaffirmed the commitment of the GDNR and its partners to support the growth of Ghana’s digital ecosystem. By providing a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing, the forum paved the way for innovative solutions and strategic partnerships. The GDNR remains dedicated to championing the interests of the Ghanaian online community and ensuring that domain names, particularly the .GH extension, serve as a catalyst for the growth and success of e-commerce in the country.

As the forum drew to a close, the GDNR expressed its gratitude to all the participants, panelists, moderators, and partners for their valuable contributions. The event’s resounding success further solidified Ghana’s position as a dynamic hub for digital innovation and provided a roadmap for the future of domain names and e-commerce in the country.

For more information about the 2023 Ghana Internet Governance Forum and the future of domain names in Ghana, please visit the official website of the Ghana Domain Name Registry.