Ghana urgently faces the challenge of governing the internet as digital platforms increasingly shape public discourse and individual cognition. Emmanuel Creppy, a tech futurist and cultural diplomat, states that internet platforms, like Ananse's web, inherently capture attention and influence users through their design. This situation impacts Ghanaian society by exposing national discourse to algorithms that prioritize engagement over accurate information. It also challenges the ability of individuals to form independent thoughts.
The current state of the global internet mirrors techniques described in Akan folklore. Kweku Ananse, the trickster spider, uses cunning and meticulously crafted webs to gain power. Modern tech giants like Google, Meta, and OpenAI employ similar strategies. They build sophisticated systems that connect information and people, often for commercial gain. This historical parallel highlights a critical oversight: Ghana, as a descendant of Ananse's wisdom, has not effectively applied these lessons to the digital age. The country lacks robust frameworks to navigate or govern the modern internet effectively.
Creppy argues that the term 'web' for the internet is a profound warning that humanity ignored. He emphasizes that information on the internet is not neutral; it represents relationships, intentions, and power structures. Google's indexing and Meta's algorithms do not just organize data. They actively shape what users see and believe. These systems are designed for high engagement, often by promoting outrage and tribal sentiments within Ghana's digital space.
The tech platforms achieve their influence through three core pillars. First, the 'silk' represents seemingly free services like email and social media, which are not truly free. Second, the 'structure' involves calculated algorithms that dictate what content users see. This includes recommendation systems and trending topics. Third, 'patience' describes how tech companies slowly build their influence over time, restructuring elections and radicalizing youth. These methods allow platforms to build a pervasive digital environment, then effectively abandon it to algorithmic rule.
Creppy concludes that the governance of the internet is not a technical issue. It is a fundamental cultural and civilizational question for Ghana. Uncontrolled digital spaces risk trapping the Ghanaian mind, much like an abandoned house taken over by cobwebs. These digital webs block clear thought and manipulate public perception. The algorithms, lacking cultural understanding like Ubuntu or Sankofa, optimize solely for engagement. This can amplify divisive content.
For Ghana, the path forward involves understanding this digital landscape and actively building its own. Citizens must question the builders and intentions behind online content. Individuals should also use the internet as a tool, rather than allowing it to become their primary environment. Ultimately, Ghana's critical digital strategy is to create its own platforms and governance models. This approach will ensure that the digital space serves national interests rather than subjecting them to foreign algorithmic control.