ghananlpcommunity/ghana-gov-speeches-sentences huggingface dataset:
We must empower our young people not merely to consume technology, but to create technology, build innovative solutions and lead Africa’s digital transformation journey.
This requires sustained investment, visionary leadership and strong partnerships across government, academia, industry and development institutions.
I therefore commend KNUST for providing this important platform to advance dialogue on artificial intelligence, digital learning and innovation.
Dialogues such as this are essential for shaping ideas, influencing policy and building strategic partnerships for national transformation.
The future we seek must be one where technology expands opportunity, strengthens resilience, promotes innovation and empowers every citizen to participate meaningfully in national development.
Let us work together to build a Ghana where digital transformation creates prosperity for all, where innovation drives inclusive growth and where technology serves humanity with responsibility and purpose.
Together, we can power Ghana’s digital future and position our nation as a competitive, innovative and inclusive knowledge economy.
May God bless our homeland Ghana.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY HONOURABLE SAMUEL NARTEY GEORGE, MINISTER OF COMMUNICATION, DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATIONS AT THE OPENING OF THE 1ST AFRICAN PREPARATORY MEETING FOR THE WORLD TELECOMMUNICATION STANDARDIZATION ASSEMBLY (WTSA-28) HELD AT THE PALMS AIRPORT CITY HOTEL ON 13TH APRIL 2026 AT 10:00AM Secretary General for the African Telecommunication Union (ATU), John Omo Director of the ITU Telecommunication Standardisation Bureau (TSB), Seizo Onoe Director General of NCA, Rev.
Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko Chairpersons for Study Groups 2 and 3 Representatives from Government and Industry, Distinguished Delegates and Participants Friends from the Media Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning On behalf of H.E.
the President, John Dramani Mahama, I warmly welcome you to Ghana.
I encourage you to enjoy the Ghanaian hospitality.
As a Member State of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), we are honoured to host the 1st African Preparatory meeting for the World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly 2028 (WTSA-28).
We are also hosting the Joint ITU/ATU Workshop on the Economic Impact of OTTs and the Implementation of a Common Emergency Number in Africa.
In addition, we are holding this week’s meetings of Regional Study Group 2 and Study Group 3.
Mohee, Obaake, Akwaaba, Maraba, Woezor, Welcome!
Let me take this opportunity to express my appreciation to ATU and ITU for advancing Africa’s cooperation in telecommunications and ICT standards.
The theme, “Strengthening Africa’s common position for WTSA-28,” highlights our goal.
We want to develop unified African proposals that reflect our continent’s needs while aligning with global standards.
Our aim is to increase Africa’s visibility and influence in international forums and ensure we are active contributors shaping digital policies and standards.
We must become rule-makers, not just rule-takers!
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, digital technologies are transforming economies, reshaping societies, and redefining how we communicate, work, and innovate.
From artificial intelligence to 5G and beyond, the pace of technological advancement presents both immense opportunities and complex challenges.
Standards are the invisible architecture of the digital world.
They ensure interoperability, foster innovation, enhance security, and enable inclusive access to digital services.
Without robust and globally harmonised standards, the promise of the digital economy cannot be fully realised.
Africa’s participation in global standardisation is essential.
We must increase the quality and quantity of our submissions to the ITU.
We can do this by implementing targeted strategies, including specialised capacity-building, inter-institutional collaboration, and mentorship initiatives.
By focusing on priority areas and facilitating structured knowledge sharing and active participation, Africa ensures talented professionals are fully engaged.
This approach allows Africa to shape standards that reflect i ts unique developmental priorities, rather than just adopt them.
As we prepare for WTSA -28, it is important to remember how unity during WTSA -24 brought the continent some good fortune.
In 2024, we submitted about 37 African Common Proposals.
The meeting adopted 34 of the Contributions with some modifications.
The 34 Contributions included new resolutions, namely: • Artificial Intelligence • Metaverse and • ITU Strategic Planning It is encouraging to note that at the WTSA -24, Africa secured twenty -nine (29) experts from 13 African countries holding positions of ITU Chairs, Vice Chairs and TSAG vice chairs.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, this week’s meeting is our chance to align positions, strengthen regional cooperation, and build consensus.
Our main technical priorities are bridging the digital divide through rural broadband, enhancing cybersecurity via robust frameworks, promoting affordable connectivity with infrastructure sharing, and fostering safe, inclusive advancement of AI and IoT.
We must ensure standardisation supports innovation and remains flexible.
It should be guided by technology neutral ity, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Together, we will create an environment where both established players and new innovators can succeed.
To make this two-day high-level regional preparatory meeting, and those of SG2RG -AFR and SG3RG-AFR, truly advance Africa’s interests, I urge each of you to actively transform today’s discussions into specific, actionable commitments.
Please engage, share y our insights, and collaborate with fellow participants to formulate unified positions that effectively balance our regional priorities with global objectives.
Let us agree on concrete strategies that will guide our continent’s actions following this meeting and enable us to shape Africa’s digital future together.
Fellow invited guests, I want to seize this opportunity to acknowledge Mr John Omo’s leadership in coordinating the African Telecommunication Union.
Under his leadership, ATU has become more coordinated, influential, and forward -looking, driving Africa’s participation in the global digital economy.
Membership rose from 37 to 52 Member States.
This resulted in financial stability.
ATU is now very attractive, as shown by the number of candidates eager to take up his mantle.
It has been a little over 7 years of your leadership, and it has been very impactful.
You have paid your dues!
Well done, my brother!
I wish you well in your next endeavours.
Ghana’s Campaign Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Ghana is seeking your support for re -election to the ITU Council and Radio Regulations Board (RRB) for the Africa Region for 2027 -2030, during the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled for Doha, Qatar, from 9th to 27th November 2026.
Ghana has kept faith with the ITU and has regularly contributed to the ITU Council.
Ghana reaffirms its record of principled leadership and regional representation.
Ghana is committed to inclusive digital transformation and has supported initiatives to expand connectivity and enhance cybersecurity.
Ghana supports equitable access to digit al resources for all Member States.
For example, Ghana played a key role in the West Africa Regional Communication Infrastructure Program.
This has improved regional Internet connectivity and fostered cross -border ICT collaboration.
Continued participation will help keep African perspectives central to global ICT governance.
With your support, Ghana will strengthen collaboration and promote a fair, innovative, and resilient digital future.
We kindly and specifically request your vote during the Plenipotentiary Conference to help Ghana retain its seat at the Council and to support the re -appointment of Rev.
Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, the Director General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), to the ITU’s Radio Regulations Board (RRB).
Your support will be vital to our continued participation and leadership.
Ghana also encourages members to consider re -electing Mr Seizo Onoe, the TSB Director.
He has so far performed creditably, contributing generously to the technical foundations of the global digital ecosystem.
He has also steered the standardisation, security, and universal acceptance of next-generation technologies.
Invitation to Cocktail Reception Ladies and gentlemen, please join us for a special cocktail reception at 6:00pm, right here.
Enjoy Ghanaian hospitality, music, and cuisine with us.
See you this evening.
Conclusion I wish to thank ATU and ITU for considering Ghana worthy of hosting this meeting, and the Local Planning Team from the Ministry and the National Communication Authority for making this meeting a success.
Ghana commits to a future that is inclusive, secure, and sustainable.
This meeting will lay a strong foundation for Africa’s impactful role at WTSA -28 and ensure our collective voice is heard globally.
I wish you fruitful deliberations and a successful meeting.
Let us work together to turn our shared ambitions into transformative outcomes for the continent.
May your discussions lead to meaningful progress, and I encourage you to explore the vibrant city of Accra if you have the time.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment.
Together, let us drive progress and innovation for Africa’s digital transformation —today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY THE HON.
MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITALISATION, MRS.
URSULA OWUSU-EKUFUL, MP, AT THE L A U N C H O F T H E T R I A L P H A S E O F T H E D I G I TA L A U D I O BROADCASTING (22ND AUGUST, 2023) AT THE NCA TOWER, AIRPORT CITY, ACCRA.
The Minister for Information, and Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebe, Hon.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Members of Parliament Chairman and Members of the of the NCA Board Director General, Management and Staff of the NCA, Executive Secretary of the National Media Commission, Project Director, World DAB, Madam Bernie O’Neill Chief Director of the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation The Media, Ladies and Gentlemen, Throughout the years, Ghana’s unwavering commitment to embracing digital innovation has propelled us to the forefront of digital transformation on the continent and our Government, through its Digital Ghana Agenda launched in 2017, has instituted projects and programmes geared towards bridging the digital divide, and ensuring digital inclusion for all sectors of the economy.
We in the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD) have been focused on crafting and shaping policies that not only facilitate the creation of information and communications infrastructure, but also drive the development of services that foster economic competitiveness.
We continue to implement innovative digital infrastructural | Page 1 and skills development projects such as the Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project and the Girls in ICT initiative to make ICT accessible to all Ghanaians and demystify it, encouraging and empowering young girls and women to pursue careers in the ICT sector.
We are building the foundations of our digital economy and working steadily to transform our economy through technology.
We are committed to empowering all agencies under the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation to adapt to the ever-evolving technological landscape by adopting innovative strategies and approaches to their work and I am proud of their continuing efforts to deliver innovative and cutting-edge solutions.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) is today launching the trial of yet another service, Digital Audio Broadcasting, in addition to its ground breaking media monitoring lab, the Common Platform, CERT, among many other innovations introduced in the past 6 years.
These have all been focused on meeting the needs of the industry and ultimately, benefiting the consumer.
With the rapid development of the radio and TV industry and its convergence with telecommunications, it has become necessary to ensure the quality of broadcasting services do not deteriorate.
Statistics indicate that as at the end of 2022, the NCA had authorised 707 Frequency Modulation (FM) Stations out of which 513 were in operation.
Clearly, this proves that Radio Broadcasting still reigns supreme over other forms of mass media communications as it remains a pivotal source of information and entertainment for both urban and rural communities.
In terms of value, according to the Digital Journal, the global Digital Radio Broadcasting market was valued at USD 3,710.13 million in 2021 and is expected to expand at a growth rate of 11.01%, reaching USD 6,943.24 million by 2027.
This | Page 2 provides an opportunity for Ghana to tap into this revenue stream to expand revenues for both the government and private sector.
As we stride into the future, the advent of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) marks a significant milestone in radio broadcasting.
With its ability to harness digital signals, DAB ushers in a new era of enhanced sound quality, an expanded array of station choices, and interactive features that redefine listener experience.
This technology transcends the limitations of traditional analogue FM Radio, promising a transformational and captivating auditory journey for all listeners.
What is more interesting about the DAB is the fact that it addresses frequency constraints by expanding coverage as well as promoting efficient spectrum utilisation.
As we launch the DAB trial in Accra and Kumasi, I recommend that you try it if you happen to find yourself in the aforementioned towns.
I congratulate the team at NCA and their service providers for putting in the work and ensuring that ghana continues to blaze the trail in the telecommunication sector for our peers to emulate.
I encourage NCA to work speedily in the roll out of their interventions, as this is a fast changing industry and the NCA needs to be agile to respond quickly to the changing needs of the sector and tastes of the consumer.
I also commend the 18 FM stations for availing their stations for this trial, and though many more stations would have liked to be part of this pilot, you were carefully selected based on your diversity of programming content and audience reach.
Ghana is introducing the latest version of DAB, known as DAB+ and this progressive step places us at the forefront of innovation, positioning us as the first nation in West Africa and the fourth in the entire continent to deploy DAB+.
This achievement | Page 3 underscores our commitment to not only staying abreast of technological advancements but also leading the charge in shaping the future of digital broadcasting across Africa.
Together, we shall continue to innovate, elevate our digital landscape, foster growth, empowerment, and prosperity for all and provide boundless opportunities for our young people.
It is indeed DIGITIME in Ghana and I am delighted to declare the first ever trial of Digital Audio Broadcasting in West Africa, duly launched!
Thank you | Page 4
STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITALISATION, MRS URSULA OWUSU-EKUFUL PRESS BRIEFING, MINISTRY OF INFORMATION 5G DEPLOYMENT IN GHANA Thursday, 30th May, 2024 The Hon.
Deputy Ministers Heads of Departments and Agencies Chief Director, Directors, and Staff of the MoCD, Our Media friends Ladies and gentlemen, Thank you all for joining us today.
I am delighted and proud to announce a transformative partnership that marks a new era in digital connectivity for Ghana.
The Government of Ghana, in collaboration with Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, and Tech Mahindra, supported by All Mobile Network Operators in Ghana, starting with AT and Telecel, has launched the Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC).
This initiative aims to deliver affordable 5G mobile broadband services across our nation, propelling us towards a fully digitized Ghana by 2030.
I am pleased to inform you that this landmark partnership was signed in Mumbai, India, on Monday, 27th May 2024, the culmination of a process which started over 2 years ago.
Firstly, let me provide an overview of this groundbreaking partnership.
The Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC) is a new shared infrastructure company, co-promoted by the Government of Ghana, Ascend Digital, and K-NET.
This partnership includes leading technology providers Nokia, Radisys and Tech Mahindra.
Discussions will soon be finalised with Microsoft, which has expressed an interest in this project.
NGIC’s equity will be held by the Republic of Ghana, Ascend Digital, K-NET, all Mobile Network Operators in Ghana and other investors including the technology providers who may wish to join the consortium.
| Page 1 NGIC has been awarded a 5G license and is expected to launch 5G services across Ghana within the next six months, with plans for future expansion into other parts of Africa.
The shared 4G and 5G infrastructure will be built by Nokia and Radisys, with IT architecture and integration provided by Microsoft and Tech Mahindra.
This collaboration ensures that we leverage cutting edge world-class expertise and technology to build a robust digital infrastructure.
NGIC’s neutral hosting model and Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) offering will accelerate national enablement programs, reduce the digital divide, optimize capital expenditure, and ensure efficient operating costs while respecting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) fundamentals by reducing environmental impact and carbon footprint.
This innovative approach will make high-speed, secure, and seamless mobile services accessible to all Ghanaians.
In addition to the above, the NGIC network will provide a strong foundation for the government to offer new services to the people of Ghana through extended inclusion programs, e-government applications, and enabling unlimited opportunities for the private sector and the economy to grow.
NGIC’s origin is rooted in our national vision of universal access to broadband, delivering citizen-centric services through e-Gov initiatives.
It is our expectation that the implementation of this will see NGIC democratize mobile broadband services and become a catalyst for growth in Ghana’s telco market, enabling MNOs to focus on customer excellence, deliver differentiated and innovative services, and foster a high-tech economy with digital entrepreneurs.
Our youth will have the opportunity to become digital entrepreneurs, driving innovation and economic growth.
It will also facilitate the entry of other network operators into the Ghana market, riding on this infrastructure to deliver their services NGIC will enable a “reset” of Ghana’s economy by attracting investments across all sectors and providing access to all manner of e- services and improve the quality of life for all Ghanaians by ensuring that everyone, regardless of their location, has access to the latest digital services.
Efforts towards a 100% digital Ghana include rehabilitating critical national infrastructure such as the eastern corridor fibre, the national data center, and LTE FWA, building a rural telephony network connecting 3.4 million subscribers in rural communities, establishing the | Page 2 Cybersecurity Authority and resourcing the Data Protection Commission among other initiatives, all aimed at providing a resilient framework for digitalisation.
These efforts have already shown significant positive impacts on our communities.
We have also built a high-speed E-Gov network connecting 951 public institutions and agencies across the country, powered by 3500 kms of newly laid fibre, providing a nationwide resilient 100Gbps optical fibre infrastructure that will serve as the platform for delivering 4G/ 5G services across Ghana.
This network has facilitated the delivery of essential services and improved the efficiency of government operations.
As the sole wholesale 5G licensee in Ghana, NGIC will offer an open access based neutral platform to all MNOs and collaborate with all tower companies in the country.
AT and Telecel Ghana have already signed partnership agreements with NGIC.
Discussions with MTN will begin shortly and they are also expected to sign on.
This inclusive approach ensures that all service providers have equal access to the infrastructure needed to deliver high-quality services to their customers.
All MNOs and ISPs are part of this venture and have been invited to invest in the project.
We believe it even has the potential of attracting renowned MVNOs to consider operating in Ghana, providing more choice to consumers.
The initial focus is on building a scalable shared infrastructure in Ghana, with the potential to expand to other parts of Africa.
NGIC may seek additional funding through capital markets to support future scaling.
NGIC aims to be the first 5G Mobile Broadband Shared Infrastructure Entity to build a nationwide 4G/5G network.
The company plans to launch affordable 4G/5G- enabled Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) CPEs and smartphones within this calendar year.
The partnership will enhance the lives of Ghanaians by introducing digital services in education, healthcare, and digital payment transactions, creating sustainable jobs for VAS operators and other tech entrepreneurs.
This initiative aims to reduce the digital divide and promote financial inclusion.
The partnership will support NGIC in the entire deployment of network infrastructure and associated services, as communications service providers aim to address both enterprise and consumer markets with enhanced digital services.
I’ll urge our young people to take advantage of this infrastructure, learn, innovate and create solutions that address our contemporary challenges.
This has the potential of creating numerous jobs in this sector and the prospects are very exciting.
| Page 3 NGIC plans to adopt India’s successful model of affordable handsets, digital platforms, and localized content to replicate high-speed mobile data access across Africa.
This approach will ensure that our digital services are accessible and relevant to all Ghanaians.
NGIC’s wholesale 5G service is expected to be launched in the last quarter of this year.
The company plans to deploy 4,400 sites, aiming to reach 37 million end customers by 2028, with the goal of making Ghana 100% digital by 2030.
Ghana has a mobile penetration rate of 115%, with an average monthly data usage expected to rise from 1.9 GB to 20 GB by 2028.
Despite launching 4G in Ghana 9 years ago, the current 4G penetration rate is 15%, with the majority of the population using 3G networks.
Through NGIC, we hope to increase the 4G penetration rate to 80% and beyond nationwide, with a total deployment of 3,200 and 1,200 4G and 5G sites, respectively, rolled out in the next 3 years.
The existing 1,000 plus 4G-ready towers built by the Rural telephony Project, have significantly impacted 4G adoption in rural areas.
NGIC expects to expand 4G services and enhance coverage in underserved areas to ensure that even the most remote communities have access to high-speed internet and the benefits it brings.
The benefits of 5G technology are numerous.
It offers faster speeds, lower latency, more connections, and better reliability.
These improvements will support a range of new applications and services, from enhanced mobile broadband to massive machine type communication and ultra-reliable low latency communications.
5G will transform industries, enable new business models, and drive economic growth.
261 operators in 101 countries had launched commercial 5G services as at January this year.
In Africa, 16 countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania, have deployed 5G services.
Ghana has adopted the innovative shared network infrastructure model for 5G deployment to provide a level playing field for all service providers and ensure equal access to 5G services.
A 5G-compatible phone or device will be required to access the network and NGIC will work with all MNO partners to launch affordable 4G/5G-enabled devices this year.
This will ensure that all Ghanaians can take advantage of the new services enabled by 5G technology.
As the Government rolls out its digital agenda, the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation aims to ensure equal access to internet connectivity throughout the country.