Ghana advocates stronger global cooperation to bridge Africa’s digital divide

Samuel Nartey George, the Ghanaian Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, has urged greater global collaboration and investment to address Africa's digital divide and broaden access to cutting-edge technologies. In a speech at the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) in Doha, Qatar, he noted that over half of Africa's population was still unconnected in 2026, highlighting the urgent need for practical steps to bring digital services to remote regions.

At the conference, George outlined Ghana's efforts to bolster digital infrastructure, enhance technological capabilities, and foster inclusive engagement in the digital economy. The nation is constructing a National AI Compute Centre to foster research, innovation, and entrepreneurship while advancing responsible, ethical, and inclusive artificial intelligence.

Additionally, Ghana has rolled out the One Million Coders program to equip citizens with the digital skills necessary to thrive in the rapidly changing digital landscape.

Regarding cybersecurity, George emphasized Ghana's Tier 1 status in the Global Cybersecurity Index and expressed willingness to share best practices in establishing Computer Emergency Response Teams and Child Online Protection measures with other ITU member countries. He urged the ITU Strategic Plan for 2027-2030 to concentrate on quantifiable results, particularly investments in last-mile connectivity and equitable access to spectrum and satellite orbits.

George also invited support for Ghana's re-election to the ITU Council for Region D and the reappointment of Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, Director-General of the National Communications Authority, to the Radio Regulations Board.