Free and open source software (FOSS)

Abstract

Software plays a very important role in our aspiration as a country to use Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as enablers for development. Licensing cost for Proprietary Software (PS) is however expensive and does not offer the freedom to manipulate the source code. Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) emerged as an alternative to Proprietary Software and has since its introduction made inroads onto desktops and servers alike. With FOSS emerged the freedom to run the programs for any purpose, freedom to study and modify the software, freedom to copy the software and share with neighbors and freedom to improve the program and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits. This paper makes a case for these freedoms. The paper first compares PS and FOSS use in Ghana and proposes a way for government to adopt FOSS. Findings of this case study are a result of field research conducted by the authors, personal interviews and through desk research.