The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mr Samuel Nartey George, has officially launched the 30th anniversary celebrations of the National Communications Authority (NCA), urging renewed national commitment to inclusive digital transformation.
Delivering a keynote address on Wednesday at NCA Towers in Accra, the Minister reflected on three decades of communications regulation, describing the sector as “the infrastructure of opportunity” that supports education, governance, security, financial inclusion, and Ghana’s participation in the global digital economy.
He paid tribute to past leaders whose vision shaped the sector, noting that their contributions laid the foundation for Ghana’s transformation into one of the most dynamic communications markets in the region.
Mr George cited initiatives such as SIM registration, mobile number portability, and consumer protection measures. “Connectivity must not only exist, but it must deliver value,” he stressed, pointing to recent revisions in telecom service quality benchmarks aimed at improving voice call reliability, data performance, and SMS delivery.
Looking ahead, the Minister announced that the government was undertaking one of the most comprehensive legal reforms since 1996, with about fifteen new and revised bills to modernise communications regulation, data governance, cybersecurity, and oversight of emerging technologies.
He also emphasised inclusivity, stating: “Every Ghanaian, regardless of geography, income, gender, age, or ability, must be able to access reliable communications services and benefit from digital opportunity.”
Mr George revealed the Cabinet’s decision to democratise Ghana’s deployment of 5G technology by removing exclusivity and opening spectrum resources to competitive bidding.
“Our vision is to achieve 70% population density coverage of 5G by the 70th Independence celebration next year,” he declared, adding: “It is a steep aspiration, but I am confident in the resilience and abilities of the fine men and women who run the National Communications Authority.”
He urged stakeholders to see the anniversary as more than a celebration, but as a renewed national commitment to regulation that protects citizens, markets that encourage innovation, infrastructure that reaches every community, and a digital future where every Ghanaian can participate safely and meaningfully.
The anniversary theme is: “30 Years of Communications Regulation – Celebrating Impact, Advancing a More Inclusive Digital Future.”
Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD
Photo credit- Seth Dadzie, ISD
