Full text: Sam George's speech at Government Accountability Series
Source: myjoyonline

Overview of Mandate and Strategic Focus The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation continues to drive Ghana’s digital transformation agenda with a focus on four key strategic priorities. These are: expanding access to reliable and affordable digital infrastructure; developing inclusive digital skills and talent; strengthening the regulatory and security framework of the digital ecosystem; and enabling innovation, entrepreneurship, and the growth of a robust technology sector. From January to July 2025, the Ministry has made substantial progress across all four areas, in line with His Excellency the President’s RESET agenda and pre-election commitments. I. National Strategic Priorities and Milestones One Million Coders Programme Launched On 16th April 2025, His Excellency the President officially launched the One Million Coders Programme, a flagship digital skills development initiative aimed at equipping one million young Ghanaians with relevant digital capabilities. The programme received overwhelming interest, with over 90,000 applications submitted within the first 48 hours of opening the portal. The pilot phase, which was rolled out in Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga, has successfully trained 859 participants, of which more than 52 percent are women. The programme is on track to reach over 50,000 learners by the end of the year. Implementation is inclusive by design, engaging local assemblies, schools, and Community ICT Centres to ensure national coverage and regional equity. 2. Data Cost Reduction Achieved The Ministry has successfully fulfilled its commitment to reduce data costs for Ghanaians. Effective 1st July 2025, all major mobile network operators implemented revised mobile data tariffs, significantly increasing the volume of data at existing price points. MTN increased all data bundles by 15 percent, while Telecel and AirtelTigo raised theirs by 10 percent. High-use bundles also saw major improvements, such as the restoration of MTN's GHS399 bundle, now offering 214GB instead of 92GB. These changes were the result of a comprehensive reform package introduced in Q1, which included a national spectrum review, revised licensing conditions tied to pricing commitments, and direct regulatory engagement with the telcos. Additionally, the three leading operators have committed to invest a combined US$150 million in their networks by the end of the year to improve service quality and reliability. 3. Comprehensive ICT Legal Reform The Ministry has completed a thorough internal review of all existing ICT laws, regulations, and policies. As a result, 15 new pieces of legislation are being drafted. These include amendments to the Data Protection Act, new cybersecurity regulations, the Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill, and frameworks for artificial intelligence, digital trade, platform governance, and cloud services. This legal overhaul is designed to modernise Ghana’s ICT regulatory architecture in line with global standards while preserving national interest and inclusivity. The Ghana Startup Bill has undergone national and regional stakeholder consultations and is now in the final legal drafting phase. The law will provide legal clarity for startups, tax incentives, and a streamlined compliance framework for innovaiton-led firms. In line with the Ministry’s vision of establishing an enabling legislative framework to foster a competitive, investor-ready digital economy; Ghana has been chosen to host the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Festival, slated for November this year. 4. Ghana’s National AI Strategy and Digital Transformation Blueprint The Ministry has led the drafting of Ghana’s first National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. The draft strategy was co-created through high-level consultations with stakeholders including the British High Commission, UNESCO, KNUST’s Responsible AI Lab, and GIZ. The strategy has completed legal review and is scheduled for Cabinet presentation this quarter. Parallel to this, on 2nd May 2025, the Ministry launched the National Digital Transformation and Emerging Technology Strategy. This document sets out a roadmap for ethical and sovereign integration of emerging technologies, particularly AI, across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, logistics, financial inclusion, and education. The strategy reinforces Ghana’s commitment to inclusive, rights-based digital development. II. Ministerial Actions for Reform, Integrity, and Oversight Review of KelniGVG Contract Following concerns about the cost-effectiveness of the KelniGVG revenue monitoring contract, the Ministry has referred the matter to the Attorney-General’s Department for review. As of October 2024, KelniGVG’s monthly fees represented 84 percent of the total revenue accruing to the state from international inbound traffic, a steep rise from 28 percent at the start of the contract in 2018. This alarming trend prompted the Ministry to call for a renegotiation of terms to ensure that the state does not continue to spend more on monitoring than it earns in revenue. I have also announced a decision not to extend the KelniGVG contract. 2. Smart Infraco Compliance Enforcement The Ministry has taken decisive steps to enforce compliance with the terms of the e- Government Infrastructure Agreement with Smart Infraco (Lebara Ghana Ltd). Smart Infraco has failed to honour multiple financial obligations under the agreement, including an upfront payment of $2 million, annual payments of $1 million, and agreed revenue shares. After NITA was denied access to key national infrastructure, the Ministry intervened, issuing a directive that restored 95 percent access. Efforts are now underway to compel full payment of arrears or pursue legal action to protect public interest. 3. 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 the last quarter of 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. I have indicated that failure to commence full commercial 5G activities by end of Q4 would lead to me renegotiating or terminating the existing license agreement. 4. 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. The procurement processes are about to commence to adhere to financial transparency, a stark departure from what happened under the past government where no contract existed yet companies were paid huge sums of money. 5. Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL): Broadcasting Frequency Audit As part of the government’s ORAL initiative, the Ministry directed the National Communications Authority to conduct a comprehensive audit of broadcasting frequencies. The first phase of the audit revealed multiple regulatory infractions, with a total estimated penalty tax of GHS 9.5 million. Several stations have already been shut down for non- compliance. The Ministry remains committed to reclaiming state assets and ensuring that frequencies are allocated transparently and in accordance with the law. 6. 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 practical training program covering web development, game animation, cybersecurity, and coding - equipping them with relevant tools for Ghana’s future digital economy. 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. 7. Consumer and Public Interest Protection Efforts Paypal 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 b. Tik Tok economy, expanding financial inclusion and cross-border trade opportunities for millions of Ghanaians. 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 responsible content development. 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. c. MultiChoice Ghana 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 requested a 30% reduction in the package pricing and gave a deadline of July 21 st for a formal response from Multichoice. I received a 9-page letter detailing why they were refusing to reduce the price. Their reasons included the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi over the preceding 8-years and what they claimed to be a fluke appreciation of the cedi over the past six months. I have had to act in the interest of the Ghanaian people who have been fleeced and exploited for too long. I have directed the NCA to suspend the broadcasting license of DStv effective Thursday, 7 th August 2025 if they fail to effect a reduction in their bundle prices. I cannot as Minister continue to watch what can best be described as plain stealing happen to the Ghanaian people. The Premium bouquet sells for the equivalent of US$83 here in Ghana whilst the same bouquet in Nigeria sells for US$29. How can anyone explain this price disparity. Enough of the mistreatment of the Ghanaian consumer. 8. 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 and Telecel-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. This 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 Huawei and Google : We have entered into a formal partnership with technology giants -Huawei and Google - to drive deeper integration between policy, research, and practical innovation. This partnership will see each of these global technology giants train 100,000 beneficiaries each under the OMCP. It represents a deliberate move to prepare students for the evolving demands of Ghana’s digital economy. My gratitude to both companies for their belief in the John Mahama vision. 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. V. Conclusion The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation reaffirms its commitment to building a secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital economy. The first half of 2025 has seen tangible results in law reform, digital inclusion, infrastructure rollout, sector regulation, and strategic partnerships. As we enter the second half of the year, we remain focused on consolidating these gains and delivering a digital Ghana that benefits every citizen, every business, and every region. In July, I reaffirmed Ghana’s digital leadership at the ITU Council in Geneva , securing alignment with global telecom agendas and strengthening bilateral cooperation on digital infrastructure and governance. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all agencies, partners, stakeholders, and Ghanaians who have supported and engaged with our work so far. Together, we are shaping a digital future that is equitable, resilient, and full of opportunity for all.