Q2 SECTORIAL BREIFING BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATION, DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION, SAMUEL NARTEY GEORGE (MP) ON WEDNESDAY, 2ND JULY 2025
Source: ministry_of_communications_ghana

Q2 SECTORIAL BREIFING BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATION, DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION, SAMUEL NARTEY GEORGE (MP) ON WEDNESDAY, 2ND JULY 2025 I. Opening Remarks Honourable Minister for Government Communications, Chief Director and Directors of the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Heads of Agencies under the Ministry, Friends from the media, Fellow Citizens, Good afternoon. Thank you for joining us today for this quarter’s press briefing on the work of the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations. I made a clear commitment when I assumed office to lead with transparency, consult widely, and to ensure that no major policy decision would be taken without consulting the people and institutions it affects. I also promised that you, the Ghanaian people, would be kept fully informed of the Ministry’s actions and direction. In that spirit of accountability and open governance, I am here this afternoon to report on the progress we have made since our last press briefing in April. This update covers efforts and achievements across regulation, infrastructure, innovation, and digital inclusion under the RESET agenda. II. Ministerial Initiatives Our work over the past quarter has been defined by purposeful action and strategic reform. We have prioritised digital skills for young Ghanaians, reforms to modernise governance frameworks, and infrastructure expansion to support a secure and innovation -driven economy. The following initiatives represent tangible progress toward a digital Ghana that leaves no one behind. 1. One Million Coders Programme Launched The One Million Coders Programme was officially launched on April 16, 2025, by H.E. President John Dramani Mahama. The program was received with great enthusiasm, with the application portal receiving over 90,000 applications within 48 hours. To date, the pilot has trained an initial 859 young people across Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga - of which more than 52 percent are women. We are on track to reach over 50,000 beneficiaries by the end of the year. 2. Data Cost Reduction Update I am pleased to confirm that the Data Cost Reduction Committee’s mandate has yielded clear results. On July 1, 2025, the network operators implemented revised mobile data tariffs, significantly increasing data volume at current price points. These adjustments followed detailed technical negotiations with network operators and reflect a consensus-based approach to digital affordability. This reform marks a major milestone in our commitment to make digital access affordable and equitable for all Ghanaians. Let me be clear, I made a promise to reduce the cost of data, and we have effectively achieved that starting yesterday. Under the new structure, mobile users now receive significantly more data for the same price as follows: • MTN: All bundles, irrespective of price, have increased by 15% • Telecel and AirtelTigo: All bundles, irrespective of price, increase by 10% • High Use Bundle Upgrades across networks: The restoration of MTN’s GHS399 bundle increasing the offer from 92GB to 214GB, Telecel’s GHS400 now offers 250GB instead of 190GB and AT’s GHS400 offers 250GB in place of the 195GB previously offered. These reductions were the result of a broader reform package we introduced in Q1, which included: • A spectrum review that freed up additional bandwidth to reduce congestion and lower operator costs • New licensing conditions that tied spectrum awards to consumer pricing commitments • Direct regulatory engagement with telcos , which led to consensus on fair pricing aligned with global affordability benchmarks Further, all three major mobile network operators have agreed to invest a combined US$150 million into their networks by the end of 2025 to improve service quality, reliability, and resilience. Enforcement of service quality benchmarks has been mandated, with ongoing monitoring by the NCA. Our goal is to ensure that data is not a luxury, but a utility - accessible and affordable to every Ghanaian. As we accelerate our digital transformation agenda, no one should be left behind because of cost. We call on the private sector, civil society, and the public to support this shift and hold us accountable for delivery. 3. Legislative Review and Update A central priority of my tenure is to modernise Ghana’s ICT legal framework in line with international standards. To that end, the Ministry initiated a comprehensive internal review of all existing ICT laws, policies, and guidelines in Q1 2025. The review is now complete, and we have initiated the process for the drafting of 15 new technology laws, including the Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, Cybersecurity Regulations, Ghana Startup Act, Digital ID Regulation; and new frameworks on AI, cloud services, digital trade, and platform governance. The Ministry will work closely with parliament in completing the process for these legislative reforms which will: • Modernise Ghana’s ICT legal architecture to reflect today’s digital realities • Secure Ghana’s digital ecosystem while upholding inclusion and fundamental rights • Foster a trusted regulatory environment that attracts investment and drives innovation 4. Ghana Startup Bill Submission The Ministry continues to make strong progress on the Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill. The draft Bill, submitted in March 2025, has since undergone extensive stakeholder validation through committee-level, zonal, and national consultations - confirming broad consensus on its key provisions. The Bill is currently in the legal drafting phase and under final review by a law firm working closely with ecosystem stakeholders. It is currently undergoing due process which would include submission to Cabinet and Parliament, with the aim of securing passage by December 2025. Once passed, the law will provide: • Legal clarity and registration for startups • Tax incentives and targeted reliefs • A streamlined compliance framework for innovation-led firms Ghana’s advancement of this legislation sends a clear message to local and international investors: we are building a competitive, investor -ready digital economy driven by local entrepreneurship and innovation. In line with our vision, the Ministry is proud to announce that Ghana has been chosen to host the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Festival. The event which attracts over 10,000 in-person delegates and 100 plus exhibitors from over 70 countries would happen ov er a three-day period. It brings into the country, venture capitalists, angel investors and captains of industry to partner the brightest innovators and start-ups in the country. 5. The National Anti-Misinformation Bill To protect the integrity of Ghana’s digital information ecosystem, the Ministry is making steady progress on advancing the National Disinformation Bill. This draft legislation is designed to strengthen legal safeguards against the deliberate creation and spread of false or harmful digital content. It will provide a clear legal framework for enforcement, enabling statutory bodies to act decisively while upholding freedom of expression. The Bill is set to be presented to Parliament for review in the upcoming session, and reflects the Ministry’s commit ment to ensuring accountability, fostering trustworthy public discourse, and promoting digital literacy without compromising democratic values 6. National AI Strategy Consultation On April 15 and again from April 23 to 24, the Ministry convened inclusive stakeholder forums in partnership with key strategic allies including KNUST’s Responsible AI Lab, the British High Commission, and GIZ FAIR Forward. These high-level consultations brought together government agencies, academia, industry leaders, civil society organisations, and development partners to co-create Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. The draft strategy, which aligns with African Union standards and global best practices, has completed legal review and is slated for Cabinet presentation, with a formal launch in Q3 2025. These steps reinforce our commitment to building an ethical, inclus ive, secure, and innovation- driven AI ecosystem that positions Ghana as the premier AI hub of Africa by 2028. The Ministry is also working on a new Emerging Technologies legislation to steer a clear path and strongly indicate our desire as a nation to be a major contributor on the continent in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Blockchain and Machine Learning. 7. Development of National Digital Transformation & Emerging Tech Strategy On May 2, 2025, I formally unveiled the development of Ghana’s National Digital Transformation and Emerging Technology Strategy, with a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI). This initiative, crafted in partnership with UNESCO and the British High Commission, establishes a clear roadmap for ethical, inclusive, and sovereignty-conscious integration of AI and emerging technologies into our economic and social frameworks Key strategic pillars include: • Ethical AI Integration: Safeguarding individual rights while harnessing AI’s potential in diverse sectors - agriculture, healthcare, logistics, smart cities, and financial inclusion • Digital Sovereignty: Prioritizing the digitization and protection of Ghana’s proprietary datasets to prevent external biases and reinforce national power • Strategic Partnerships: Leverage collaborations with UNESCO, the British High Commission, and other international partners to support both strategy development and implementation planning • Embedding Human Capital: Aligning the One Million Coders Programme within the broader digital transformation agenda to cultivate a workforce ready to capitalize on AI - driven opportunities This strategy remains on schedule for release in Q3 2025. 8. NGIC 5G Rollout Deadline Set The Next Generation Infrastructure Company (NGIC), our exclusive shared -neutral 4G/5G infrastructure provider, is progressing steadily toward its target of activating over 350 5G-ready cell sites by Q4 2025, with at least 50 live 5G sites expected in Accra and Kumasi. As of today, NGIC has deployed 16 5G -ready sites and received full NCA approval for its core network infrastructure. These milestones reflect meaningful progress following earlier delays in 2024. Let me be clear: we have agreed with NGIC that there will be no further extensions to this rollout deadline. If the company fails to meet the Q4 commitment, the Ministry will immediately initiate a review and possible renegotiation of the licence terms . The NCA is fully mandated to enforce this. This national rollout model is a deliberate policy shift designed to reduce infrastructure duplication, lower data costs, and accelerate universal 5G access for all Ghanaians. We are working closely with NGIC to ensure transparency, efficiency, and consumer value at every stage. 9. Ghana.gov Relaunch Plan Finalised The Ghana.gov platform is undergoing comprehensive reengineering to modernize citizen interaction with government. The redesigned site, launching in Q4 2025, will feature significantly faster access, full Ghana Card integration, and an intuitive, streamlined interface tailored for both individuals and businesses. This upgraded portal will enhance transparency, convenience, and reliability in accessing public services. 10. Girls-in-ICT Initiative The Ministry scaled the 2025 Girls-in-ICT initiative across the Volta, Upper East, and Upper West regions as part of efforts to close the gender gap in digital skills. In June, 1,000 girls from 18 districts in the Volta region completed a three -week practi cal training program covering web development, game animation, cybersecurity, and coding - equipping them with relevant tools for Ghana’s future digital economy. The top 100 performers received laptops and excellence awards, and 10 teachers were awarded laptops for their dedication. To further incentivize excellence and healthy competition, the top three performers were awarded cash prizes. The Ministry also plans to establish fully equipped ICT labs in the schools of the top three performers to ensure continuity and sustainability. Also, under the Girls -in-ICT Initiative, I conducted a tour of Girls -in-ICT training centres across the Volta Region in mid-June. The visit underscored the Ministry’s commitment to closing the gender gap in tech and ensuring equitable access to digital skills for young women beyond Accra. Engagements with trainers and students highlighted the effectiveness of hands -on ICT education i n empowering girls and promoting digital inclusion at the regional level. The Girls-in-ICT initiative reinforces our inclusive digital transformation agenda by investing in the next generation of female tech leaders; and ensures that digital opportunity is genuinely national. We look forward to the Upper East and Upper West programs. 11. Smart Workplace Upgrade Completed The National Information Technology Agency (NITA) has finalized a significant refresh of the Smart Workplace digital platform used by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This upgraded system now supports seamless e ‑Cabinet memos, inter -agency collaboration, scheduling, and more. Over 25 MDAs are now actively using the enhanced platform. Broad-based rollout continues. Over 300 government organizations, including local assemblies and health services, now use the platform for virtual collaboration and document management. This upgrade strengthens our governance capabilities, reduces paper -based processes, and delivers greater operational efficiency across government. 12. Engagement to Enable Full PayPal Access in Ghana The Ministry has formally reopened engagement with PayPal to restore full access to its services for Ghanaian users. As of June 2025, PayPal’s regional government relations team has issued Ghana a compliance roadmap outlining the technical, regulatory, and financial standards required for whitelist reinstatement. The Ministry is working closely with the Bank of Ghana and other key stakeholders to fulfil these conditions, and to ensure PayPal also meets the necessary requirements to operate in Ghana. This effort is a strategic priority, to expand access to global digital payment platforms for freelancers, SMEs, startups, and the creative sector. Securing PayPal access will remove a longstanding barrier to participation in the global digital economy, expanding financial inclusion and cross-border trade opportunities for millions of Ghanaians. 13. Tik Tok Engagement As part of efforts to promote a safe, vibrant, and inclusive digital creative economy, I met with TikTok’s West Africa Government Relations team on 26th June. Our discussions focused on enforcing age restrictions, safeguarding minors, and promoting respons ible content development. The Ministry welcomed TikTok’s introduction of a STEM -focused content feed and encouraged stronger alignment with national programmes, particularly the One Million Coders initiative. I urged TikTok to ensure fair compensation for Ghanaian content creators. I also proposed the establishment of a local moderation and content governance team to reflect Ghana’s values, protect user rights, and support national regulatory expectations. 14. Engagement with MultiChoice Ghana on Subscription Pricing Last week, I invited the senior leadership of MultiChoice Ghana for a formal dialogue on DStv subscription pricing in Ghana. The meeting addressed public concerns about affordability, value for money, and fairness in service delivery. I made clear the Ministry’s expectation that pricing structures must be responsive to Ghana’s economic context. I have a scheduled meeting for Friday with the Ghana Team and their South African counterparts to agree on a way forward on the issues raised. The outcomes will be shared with the public in due course. This engagement reflects our commitment to regulatory accountability and our resolve to ensure that digital services in Ghana remain fair, accessible, and responsive to the needs of citizens. 15. Stakeholder Engagement The Ministry continues to place stakeholder engagement at the centre of policy and programme implementation. These engagements are essential to shaping responsive policy, unlocking investment, and ensuring inclusive national participation in our digital transformation agenda. • Quarterly Industry Engagements Institutionalised Between February and June 2025, we held three high -level dialogue sessions with telecom CEOs, infrastructure providers, and regulators. These structured quarterly meetings are now a permanent fixture. They serve to foster technical clarity, reinforce accountability, and align private sector investment with national digital priorities. • Ministerial Ecosystem Tour – Supporting Ghana’s Homegrown Tech Champions In May, I undertook a technology ecosystem tour to engage directly with Ghanaian tech companies driving innovation and job creation. The tour included visits to Zipline, ShaQ Express, IT Consortium, AppsnMobile, and Grow for Me where I observed firsthand t he resilience and global ambition of our local innovators. These engagements offered a platform for feedback and collaboration. They reinforced our commitment to policy clarity, investment incentives, and infrastructure support. The Ministry remains focused on enabling an environment where homegrown companies can scale, export solutions, and anchor Ghana’s competitiveness in the Global digital economy. • Regional Innovation Promotion – MEBSIS 2025 Tech Roadshow In May, I addressed the MEBSIS 2025 Summit in Kumasi, which focused on motion technology, smart media, and creative entrepreneurship. This platform allowed us to showcase government -backed digital initiatives outside Accra, promoting regional innovation and ensuring nationwide inclusion in Ghana’s digital growth. 16. Strategic Partnerships for Skills and Sector Reform The Ministry continues to leverage public-private and bilateral partnerships to expand digital opportunity, attract investment, and catalyse structural reforms across the ICT sector. • Telecom Sector Restructuring: A major realignment in Ghana’s telecom sector is underway with conversations around the planned acquisition of a 60% stake in AT Ghana. An MOU has been signed, and the Ministry is working closely with all relevant regulatory bodies to ensure full compliance with licensing conditions and to support the shared goal of revitalising AT Ghana’ s operations and restoring its competitive strength. I would update the Country on the outcomes of the engagements as they unfold. • Youth Skills Development Collaborations: Strategic partnerships have been launched to expand training in cloud computing, AI, and software development, particularly under the One Million Coders Programme. These efforts are being supported by both private sector firms and international training providers, reinforcing Ghana’s human capital base for the digital economy. • MTN-Government MoU on AI and Skills: In Q2, the Ministry signed a landmark MoU with MTN Ghana to co -develop a national Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre. The agreement also commits funding toward training 5,000 young people in AI and related digital skills over the next 18 months. Thi s partnership strengthens Ghana’s institutional and workforce readiness for AI adoption. • Ghana-UAE Innovation Hub MoU Signed : The Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UAE government to co -develop a $1 billion Ghana -UAE Innovation Hub. The project will anchor high-tech manufacturing, startup incubation, and digital services, with a multi-phase construction schedule expected to begin in 2026. We are currently engaged in pre-Project Management Office modalities. • Strategic Partnership with University of Ghana : We have entered into a formal partnership with the University of Ghana to drive deeper integration between policy, research, and practical innovation. This partnership will see the co -creation of digital skills programmes, support for AI hackathons, and curricular alignment under the One Million Coders initiative. It represents a deliberate move to prepare students for the evolving demands of Ghana’s digital economy. Together, these engagements and partnerships reflect our commitment to a participatory, inclusive approach to digital governance where partnerships fuel progress, and innovation is made truly national. III. Agency Updates As Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, I am honoured to present an update on the progress we have made across our agencies in the second quarter of 2025. Our mission remains clear and urgent: to build a digitally empowered Ghana that is globally competitive, inclusive, and able to generate well-paying jobs and better livelihoods for all. Today, I will outline the decisive steps we are taking to keep Ghana at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation, and to ensure that the growth of our technology sector translates into real gains for every Ghanaian. 1. NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY (NCA) The NCA has advanced major reforms across the sector to promote efficient spectrum use, safeguard national security, and enhance service delivery. These include: a. Spectrum Efficiency and Regulatory Reform • The NCA is currently undertaking review of the spectrum assignments in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands to ensure optimal usage. Public consultations with relevant stakeholders have concluded, with implementation timelines to be finalised and communicated. • An NCA audit of FM radio broadcasting authorisations found 68 FM stations in breach of their authorisation conditions. Enforcement actions were duly initiated. However, following the intervention of H.E. the President, these stations have been granted a 30 - day moratorium to regularise operations. The NCA is closely monitoring compliance, with further action pending results. • In May, the NCA hosted a stakeholder’s workshop, to address harmful interference caused by nearby FM transmitters to aeronautical communication and navigation systems in Ghana. b. Border Frequency Monitoring and Coordination • The NCA conducted spectrum monitoring exercises along Ghana’s borders with Togo and Côte d’Ivoire to ensure Ghana’s border areas receive interference -free service . Coordination meetings with Burkina Faso and Togo are scheduled to review and sign frequency coordination agreements. c. Preparation for the 2027 World Radio Communications Conference • Ghana held its first national preparatory meeting for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference from 6-8 May 2025. The meeting reviewed proposed conference agenda items; and established a framework for coordinating Ghana’s positions and participation in the ECOWAS and African preparatory meetings towards the conference. d. Receiver Standards and Licensing • The NCA developed s pecifications for Digital Audio Broadcasting Receivers , in conjunction with the Ghana Standards Authority. The draft specifications were published for public consultations and submitted comments are currently under review. • The Authority resumed conformance certification for DTT receivers to protect consumers. • The NCA granted five licences for satellite and radiodetermination services and provisionally authorised Amazon Kuiper and Eutelsat SA. e. Satellite and Radiodetermination Services in Ghana • Satellite and IoT Licensing: Five operators have received satellite service licences, with provisional authorisations issued to two more entities. These authorisations are intended support partnerships to deliver collaborative services including smart agriculture solutions, IoT services, tracking and monitoring systems, and backhaul connectivity. • A national spectrum policy is being developed to provide for efficient and equitable use of spectrum to meet growing spectrum demand, and to support future applications such as AI, robotics, and precision farming. • The NCA is promoting amateur radio to build local expertise and resilience in communications. The Authority aims to set up a model amateur radio station on its premises to support this. The authority will also organise training sessions for both staff and the general public to support this endeavour. f. SIM Registration The NCA will implement the overhaul of the SIM registration system in three key phases: • Phase 1: Biometric validation and data cleanup (ongoing) • Phase 2: Controlled new registrations (testing phase) • Phase 3: Business SIM verification and deactivation of non-compliant records (Q3-Q4) We will deploy a secure, biometric -based SIM Verification System to integrate with national ID databases. g. Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) In parallel with the SIM re -registration exercise, the government has initiated the Central Equipment Identity Register implementation to monitor, identify, and block stolen and counterfeit devices to disincentivize device theft. The system shall have secure API or web interfaces for integration with the SIM registration systems of the telcos, GRA’s customs systems, and NCA’s type approval and dealership registry. Implementation is ongoing. h. Regional Connectivity – Ecowas Roaming • Ghana’s bilateral roaming service is live with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin. • Testing with The Gambia is complete. We are in advanced talks with Nigeria to go live before the end of 2025. • This initiative will lower roaming costs and boost regional integration. i. Telecom Emergencies and Licensing Frameworks • The National Telecommunication Emergency Plan (NTEP) is complete. It will ensure emergency communication for responders even when commercial networks fail. • New or revised licences are in development for: o Communication Managed Services o Internet Exchange Points o Submarine Carriers o Communication Dealerships These frameworks aim to ensure service resilience, encourage investment, and promote open access. The National Communications Authority continues to play a pivotal role in securing Ghana’s digital transformation. As new technologies and challenges emerge, the NCA remains focused on protecting consumers, ensuring spectrum efficiency, and delivering responsive regulation that underpins inclusive, secure, and future-ready communications infrastructure. 2. CYBER SECURITY AUTHORITY (CSA) The Cyber Security Authority continues to advance Ghana’s cybersecurity agenda through regulatory enforcement, citizen protection, international cooperation, and digital resilience - building initiatives. a. Threat Monitoring and Protection Initiatives • The National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT -GH) has expanded its digital risk monitoring systems to detect and mitigate impersonation threats. • Between January and June 2025, 31 fake social media accounts impersonating Members of Parliament, government officials, and public figures were detected and taken down. • Dark web threat monitoring by the National CERT revealed data exposure for 37 institutions spanning government, finance, health, energy, telecoms, education, and security. CSA has provided tailored mitigation support to affected institutions to close process, personnel, and technology gaps. b. Cybercrime and Incident Reporting • Between January and May 2025, the Authority received 6,484 contacts via the National Cybercrime/Cybersecurity Point of Contact platform. • 1,882 of these were confirmed incidents. The top five categories were: o Online fraud (38%) o Cyberbullying (24%) o Online blackmail (15%) o Unauthorised access (13%) o Information disclosure (10%) Advisory services and preventive interventions were delivered for the remaining cases. c. Child Online Protection (COP) and Awareness Campaigns The CSA has commenced implementation of the National Child Online Protection Framework launched in late 2024. As part of this: • Over 55,000 young people have been directly reached with safety education • COP stakeholder activities have begun, including a draft guideline for industry and partnerships with schools and CSOs • Preparations for the 2025 edition of the National Cybersecurity Challenge - targeting 100 senior high schools—are underway • The annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October) will target over 6 million Ghanaians under the theme “Building a Safe, Informed and Accountable Digital Space” d. Licensing, Regulation and Institutional Frameworks Licensing and accreditation efforts are ongoing. As of June 2025, CSA has registered: • 326 Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs) • 1,821 Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs) • 87 Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs) A Draft CII Audit, Compliance and Monitoring Framework and a new Risk Assessment Framework have been completed and submitted for approval. Operationalisation of sectoral CERTs (Energy, Health, Education, Transport, and Military) is underway. e. International Cooperation and Global Leadership • Ghana, represented by the CSA, co -chairs the ICRC ICT Work Stream on Upholding International Humanitarian Law, alongside Luxembourg, Mexico, and Switzerland. • Ghana is now a signatory to the Pall Mall Process Draft Code of Practice for States. • The CSA was selected by the University of Oxford’s Global Cybersecurity Capacity Centre to pilot its AI Cybersecurity Readiness Metric as a Tier-1 country. • Ghana actively participated in the Octopus Conference, GLACY -e Steering Committee, and ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Coordination Centre Feasibility Study. f. Law Enforcement The CSA has stepped up its law enforcement mandate in the past five months. We have conducted a number of operations in conjuction with the Ghana Police Service and the National Intelligence Bureau. A number of individuals have been surveilled, arrested and prosecuted succesfully for crimes ranging from romance scams, child online sexual abuse material, unauthorised access into financial platforms, investment scams, sexto rtion and recruitment fraud. In one instance, the CSA and the Ghana Immigration Service busted a Pig Butchering Fraud Hosting Centre at the Nyamedua Estates in Tema Community 26. Over 400 persons were arrested from over 8 different nationalities. In that particular raid, over 4,000 mo bile phones, 70 laptops and 5 firearms were seized. Barely three weeks ago, the CSA busted a sophisticated recruitment fraud ring. After weeks of detailed surveillance, an operation was carried out with the Ghana Police Service in Sogakope leading to the arrest of 11 suspects including the gang leader. This gang h ad extensive capabilities including forging national identity documents amongst others. The CSA has also been at the forefront of clamping down on illegal financial flows and transfers of illicit funds through multiagency cooperations. Within days of my appointment as Minister, we received requests from the FBI for assistance to locate and as sist the apprehension of five (5) persons of interest who were alleged to have been involved in cyber related crimes with proceeds in excess of USD105,000,000. The CSA team meticulously identified the individuals using tools at our disposal and conducted weeks of surveillance building critical evidence material for law enforcement to utilise in the prosecutions. As at today, four of the five persons have been suc cesfully apprehended and extradited to the US by INTERPOL and the AG’s office. We make a solemn pledge to make Ghana an uncomfrotable place for persons engaged in acts that tarnish the global reputation of our Nation. We have a number of active operations under way and we would brief the Nation once we complete same and arrests have been effected. The work of the Cyber Security Authority remains central to our national vision for a secure, trusted, and inclusive digital economy. As threats evolve, so must our defences. And Ghana is fully committed to strengthening its cyber resilience through smart regulation, multi -sector partnerships, and global best practices. 3. NITA – DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRUST SERVICES NITA continues to execute its mandate of securing Ghana’s digital foundations and enhancing trust in public digital systems. Several key reforms and systems upgrades are now operational or at advanced stages of implementation. a. Cybersecurity Operations and GovCERT Transition • The National Security Operations Centre (SOC), hosted by NITA, is now fully operational. • The SOC provides real -time threat monitoring and weekly vulnerability scans for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). • These efforts have led to a: o 40% reduction in successful brute-force attacks o 27% decline in botnet activity o 21% drop in phishing and malware attempts o 18% decrease in website defacements and breaches • NITA is now transitioning the SOC into a full Government Computer Emergency Response Team (GovCERT), which will offer incident response, cyber forensics, and institutional capacity building across the public sector. b. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Trust Services • The national Root PKI infrastructure has been successfully deployed. • It is now integrated with the Ghana Card, the new chip -based ePassport, and the eVisa platform. • A roadmap has been developed to extend digital signature capabilities to core public registries by 2026. These include: o The Office of the Registrar of Companies o Births and Deaths Registry o DVLA o Lands Commission o WAEC and public universities • This will ensure that all essential government -issued documents are digitally signed, authenticated, and verifiable both locally and internationally. c. Ghana Data Exchange Hub (GDX Hub) • To address fragmentation in public sector data systems, NITA is finalising the deployment of the Ghana Data Exchange Hub. • The Hub will enable: o Secure data exchange between MDAs and SOEs o Real-time service integration across government o Reduced duplicative data collection and improved data accuracy This initiative lays the foundation for a data -driven economy, supporting innovations in AI, planning, and resource allocation, while enabling Ghana to fully access the value of its data assets. d. AI Governance and Combatting Misinformation • NITA is piloting AI -based public service solutions in collaboration with local innovators such as Npontu Technologies. These include chatbots and predictive analytics for use in education and health. • A public misinformation platform is currently in final testing, to allow citizens to verify official documents. e. Software Testing and Assurance Lab • In partnership with the Kofi Annan ICT Centre, NITA is establishing a national Software Testing Lab. • The Lab will serve as a quality and security gatekeeper for all software developed or procured by government. • It will: o Certify software before go-live o Ensure compliance with Ghana Government Enterprise Architecture (GGEA) and Interoperability Framework (eGIF) standards o Prevent vulnerabilities that have previously disrupted government platforms f. Institutional Reform: NITA as a Digital Regulator • Legal reforms are ongoing to evolve NITA into a full-fledged digital regulatory authority. • The proposed new mandate includes: o Oversight over all ICT procurements and platforms in the public sector o Certification and audit powers for digital infrastructure o Authority to enforce technical and security compliance across government systems • This transformation will ensure coherence, accountability, and resilience in Ghana’s public digital ecosystem. Taken together, these initiatives reflect NITA’s growing role as both a strategic enabler and a regulatory anchor of Ghana’s digital transformation. The Ministry remains committed to supporting NITA’s transformation into a full digital regulator to ensure coherence, security, and innovation across government systems. 4. GHANA INVESTMENT FUND FOR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS (GIFEC) GIFEC continues to play a vital role in Ghana’s efforts to achieve universal access and digital inclusion. In 2025, the agency advanced several flagship projects, particularly in rural connectivity, ICT skills development, and institutional support. a. Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project GIFEC’s Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project targets the deployment of 2,016 mobile network sites in unserved and underserved communities. Progress as of Q2 2025 is as follows: • 1,561 sites constructed to date, with 1,556 integrated into national networks • 1,077 sites actively delivering voice and data services • In 2025 alone, 81 new sites were built, 131 integrated, and 142 activated • 468 additional sites are undergoing final integration and activation These efforts are significantly narrowing Ghana’s digital divide. However, the project has encountered some operational challenges: • Rising rural electricity and data centre costs • Delays in vendor payments due to irregular revenue flows from MNOs and project funding constraints • Network congestion in high-traffic areas due to limited capacity To address these issues, GIFEC is: • Deploying hybrid solar -grid power systems to reduce operating costs and improve reliability • Introducing preventive maintenance schedules to improve uptime • Engaging stakeholders to secure dedicated financing for project completion • Reviewing existing service contracts to align terms with current market conditions If timelines are maintained, full deployment of all 2,016 sites is expected by the end of 2025. b. Innovation Centres and Digital Content Expansion Under the Cyber Laboratory Programme and Innovation Centre revitalisation initiative: • Bills of Quantities have been completed for 9 previously inactive centres • In partnership with TechAiD Ghana (Asanka) , digital content and devices have been piloted in 3 centres across the Ashanti, Northern, and Greater Accra Regions • Bidding for regional innovations centre renovation is ongoing, alongside local engagement to re-staff facilities Key constraints include: • High utility costs and insufficient staffing • Occupation of centres by non-GIFEC entities, leading to access limitations To overcome these, GIFEC will: • Allocate additional budget for refurbishment and maintenance • Expand digital content rollout to all centres post-pilot • Serve notices and coordinate with MMDCEs to reclaim CICs for community ICT use The goal is to deliver a network of fully operational, digitally equipped innovation hubs by year- end. c. Institutional ICT Support and School Connectivity In the first half of 2025: • 90 desktops and 228 laptops were distributed to 15 public institutions • Under the School Connectivity Project, procurement is underway for: o 1,000 computers for basic schools o Thin-client labs for 30 senior high schools GIFEC is preparing for an additional procurement round to meet increasing demand. d. Capacity Building and Girls-in-ICT Training In the Volta Region: • 1,000 girls received coding and web design training under the Girls-in-ICT project • Equipment shortages and compressed timelines limited the training’s reach To scale impact: • 2,000 more girls will be trained in the Upper East and Upper West Regions by December • The Digital Transformation Centre has trained: o 30 female ICT teachers o 200 women in AI Pending funding, GIFEC aims to train: • 500 students in various ICT courses • 500 young women in AI • 500 SMEs by the end of 2025 e. Community ICT Centre Reclamation and Management • 107 CICs currently occupied without authorisation have been issued eviction notices • Engagements with MMDCEs are ongoing to restore these centres for community digital use • GIFEC remains committed to full CIC operationalisation f. Research, Strategy, and Forward Agenda GIFEC is advancing several knowledge-building initiatives: • Impact Assessment: Inception report finalised; rural data collection scheduled • Connectivity Strategy : Concept paper completed on priority technologies; regional assessments slated for July • Youth and AI Strategy: Draft strategy paper focused on youth entrepreneurship in AI and digital technologies in review. GIFEC remains focused on bridging Ghana’s digital divide by combining infrastructure expansion with digital inclusion programmes that are responsive to community needs and future-ready. 5. DATA PROTECTION COMMISSION (DPC) The Data Protection Commission continues to lead the enforcement of Ghana’s digital privacy regime, advancing national compliance and building a rights-based data governance ecosystem. a. Fast-Tracking Licensing and Institutional Capacity • Licensing turnaround times have been reduced from 3 months to just 7 days, enabling quicker onboarding and compliance for data controllers. • Over 700 Data Protection Officers (DPOs) have been trained, with 580 of these trained under the One Million Coders Programme. • 100% of DPC staff are now professionally certified, positioning the Commission as a model for capacity and technical readiness in Africa’s data protection ecosystem. b. Public Engagement and Regional Outreach • The DPC has extended the reach of data rights education deep into the informal economy through targeted mass education campaigns. • The Commission has initiated plans to expand its physical presence to all 16 regions within two years, enhancing oversight and accessibility. • Stakeholder consultations have commenced to support the establishment of regional offices, and the Commission is working with the Ministry to expand its staffing levels in line with growing national demand. • The Commission will institutionalise Ghana’s Annual Privacy Week as a national platform for stakeholder education, citizen engagement, and compliance advocacy. c. Legal Reform and Compliance Tools • A draft amendment to the Data Protection Act has been completed and submitted, aligning Ghana’s legal framework with international norms such as GDPR and African Union Convention. • The Commission is in the final stages of developing a QR/USSD-enabled National Privacy Seal , which will allow the public to instantly verify the compliance status of organisations. • A new digital certification and registration portal is nearing completion. This system will be fully integrated with national platforms such as the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) for seamless verification and interoperability. • Inter-Agency Coordination and Sectoral Enforcement Inter-agency collaborations are underway to enforce compliance across public institutions, NGOs, and private firms, especially in the financial and telecom sectors. The Commission’s ongoing reforms are positioning Ghana as a regional leader in rights - based data governance. The Ministry stands fully behind this work as the Commission expands its regional presence and strengthens enforcement across sectors. Together, we are ensuring that Ghana’s digital transformation protects the rights of every citizen and builds the public trust needed for a secure, inclusive digital future. 6. GHANA METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY (GMet) Gmet continues to strengthen its delivery of climate and weather services critical to national development. In Q2, the Agency achieved significant milestones across service quality, digital transformation, and climate resilience initiatives. a. International Certification and Modernisation GMet has secured ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management Systems, covering public weather, aviation, marine, and research services. This underscores its commitment to globally accepted standards in climate service delivery. b. Climate Atlas Deployment Through a strategic partnership with the Danish Meteorological Institute and Danish Embassy, GMet launched Ghana’s first national Climate Atlas. This tool provides accessible, high-resolution climate projections to inform planning in agriculture, water, in frastructure, and disaster preparedness. Plans are underway to downscale data for regional and district - level use. c. Early Warning for All Roadmap Ghana has endorsed a national roadmap under the UN’s Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative. The roadmap will strengthen Ghana’s multi -hazard early warning infrastructure through inter-agency collaboration involving GMet, NADMO, Red Cross, and others. d. Infrastructure and Tools Upgrade GMet is renovating its Central Analysis and Forecasting Office, abandoned for over 15 years, to host digital tools and technologies. This aligns with efforts to modernise infrastructure and enhance e-climate service delivery. Renovation works are 70% complete. e. Operational Efficiency Boost The Agency has procured 20 operational vehicles to support field activities, including routine maintenance of weather stations. This addresses long-standing logistical constraints. f. Digital Alerts and Dissemination A Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) system has been integrated into GMet’s website. This enables real-time multi-channel dissemination of warnings via mobile, radio, TV, and online platforms. National operationalisation is being pursued in partnership with the NCA and disaster response agencies. g. Capacity Building for Aviation and Forecasting Nineteen meteorologists have completed training and assessments for aeronautical certification, supported by the Danish government. Certification is pending. A resilient, science -driven climate information system remains essential to Ghana’s economic planning, disaster preparedness, and productivity across sectors. The Ministry remains committed to supporting GMet in achieving these national imperatives. 7. GHANA POST (GP) Ghana Post continues to expand its role as a critical government service partner and logistics backbone: a. Expanding Service Mandates and Delivery Reach • Ongoing agency services include the nationwide delivery of chip -embedded passports (on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), DVLA driver’s licences, and bank cards for two major financial institutions • International delivery capacity has been significantly strengthened through agreements with United Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways • Strategic e -commerce partnerships are under negotiation with four major global and local platforms to anchor warehousing, trunking, and last-mile delivery services b. Strong Q1 Performance and Institutional Recovery • Ghana Post recorded GH¢69.7 million in revenue in Q1, far exceeding the GH¢43.7 million target • Longstanding financial obligations, including staff Provident Fund dues, GRA arrears, and legacy End-of-Service Benefit liabilities dating back to 2010, have been cleared • The passport delivery service launched in May has made 36,222 dispatches, with 22,643 successfully delivered to citizens across the country • Ghana Post has received the EMS Excellence Award , ranking first in Africa and among the top seven postal organisations globally. A bronze medal will be presented during the UPU Congress in September 2025 c. Strategic Outlook and Innovation Agenda Ghana Post is repositioning itself to become a modern, green, and financially inclusive logistics player with the following planned updates: • A full automation of the Office of Exchange is underway to improve throughput, customs processing, and tracking • The Green Post strategy will introduce paperless systems and pilot electric motorcycles and vans as part of a broader sustainability agenda • A formal application is being prepared for a Bank of Ghana licence, enabling Ghana Post to operate financial services, remittance transfer, and digital savings products for underserved populations Ghana Post’s turnaround demonstrates the potential of state-owned enterprises to deliver reform-driven, customer-centric, and innovation-aligned public services. 8. POSTAL AND COURIER SERVICES REGULATORY COMMISSION (PCSRC) a. Licensing and Revenue Performance The PCSRC continues to intensify regulatory oversight of Ghana’s courier and postal sector. • 22 new courier operators have been licensed • 89 licences have been renewed for existing operators b. Regulatory Enforcement and Sector Support The Commission is deepening sector enforcement while supporting industry reform: • A nationwide enforcement campaign is being planned with the Ghana Police Service to clamp down on unlicensed delivery operators • In partnership with GIZ, the Commission is rolling out capacity -building programmes for Ghana Post personnel • Stakeholder consultations have been completed to amend the Postal Services Act (Act 649) and its accompanying Legislative Instrument (LI 2205) to reflect evolving market dynamics, especially in digital commerce and logistics c. Outlook and Strategic Priorities The Commission is focused on strengthening national presence and expanding regulatory coverage: • Regional offices are planned for Tamale and Takoradi by the end of 2025 The PCSRC continues to reposition Ghana’s postal and courier sector for modern, secure, and well-regulated growth. The Ministry fully supports these reforms as part of our broader strategy to improve service quality, protect consumers, and ensure that the logistics backbone of the digital economy is fit for purpose. 9. GHANA DIGITAL CENTRES LIMITED (GDCL) a. Digital Skills Development and Youth Empowerment Ghana Digital Centres Limited has advanced its core mandate of building a digitally skilled workforce through structured training and job-matching initiatives: • 219 young people have been trained this year in high -demand areas such as data analytics, software development, digital marketing, and soft skills • Beneficiaries were placed into hands -on internships through the Jumpstart Programme, which uses a Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) model to integrate skills with startup incubation b. Strengthening the Startup and Gig Ecosystem • 61 tech startups at various stages of growth have received support through GDCL-hosted programmes and ecosystem events • A national workshop co -hosted with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) engaged startups on their constraints, co -created a support framework, and informed GDCL’s innovation agenda • A Gig Economy Roundtable was held in partnership with GIZ to lay the groundwork for national regulation that ensures decent, inclusive, and sustainable digital work opportunities c. Infrastructure and Job Creation • The flagship Ghana ICT Hub Project, located at the Accra Digital Centre, is currently 34% complete. Once operational, it will offer infrastructure for skills training, startup incubation, and innovation labs • GDCL has facilitated the creation of 250 new jobs in the IT -enabled services sector, leveraging its Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) clusters and subsidised infrastructure packages to attract global and local companies d. Strategic Outlook and Upcoming Projects GDCL is positioning itself as a cornerstone of Ghana’s digital transformation by scaling programmes and infrastructure: • Green energy initiatives are underway, including plans to install solar systems and EV charging infrastructure at the Digital Centre • A national Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Strategy is in development to position Ghana as a global BPO destination and to deepen job creation in the digital economy • GDCL is conducting a needs assessment to activate its facilities for participation in the 24 -Hour Economy , including improvements in lighting, security, and service hours • Expansion of the One Million Coders programme is ongoing, with an emphasis on digital entrepreneurship and employability-focused curricula The Ghana Digital Centres Limited remains a key enabler of Ghana’s digital skills pipeline, startup competitiveness, and inclusive job creation through innovation-focused public infrastructure. IV. Closing Remarks Distinguished colleagues, members of the press, and fellow citizens. As we conclude this quarter’s update, let me reaffirm our core mission - to build a secure, inclusive, and innovation -driven digital economy that creates jobs, empowers citizens, and positions Ghana as a leader in Africa’s digital future. The progress I have outlined today is not just a list of projects. It is evidence of an administration that is governing with purpose and urgency. • We are reforming laws to match the realities of today’s tech-driven world • We are investing in people, especially young people, to give them the tools to participate meaningfully in the digital economy • We are working across every region and with every stakeholder to ensure that the benefits of digitalisation are not a luxury for the few, but a basic right for all To the private sector: partner with us not just to profit, but to build . To academia and civil society: work with us to innovate and hold us accountable . To every Ghanaian: the digital future is yours. And we are here to ensure it serves you. Let me express my appreciation to the hardworking teams across our agencies (NCA, NITA, DPC, PCSRC, CSA, GIFEC, Ghana Post, GDCL) and all our partners and stakeholders. You make the vision possible. Our mission is not to keep things as they are, but to reshape them with intention and resolve. Ghana’s digital future is already being built. Let us build it together. Thank you.