The Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has called for stronger global partnerships and increased investment in satellite technology to accelerate efforts to bridge the digital divide.
Speaking at the Commonwealth Telecommunication Organisation Breakfast Meeting at the ITU Global Symposium for Regulators 2026 in Ankara, Türkiye, Mr. Sukparu said that more than two billion people worldwide remain without internet access because of geography, high costs, and limitations of terrestrial infrastructure.
According to him, satellite technology offers a practical solution to expanding connectivity in underserved and remote communities where fibre networks and mobile towers are often economically unviable.
He pointed to advancements in Low Earth Orbit constellations and high-throughput satellites as transformative tools that can expand digital access beyond traditional infrastructure limitations.
Mr. Sukparu highlighted Ghana’s efforts to leverage satellite technology by establishing a satellite licensing framework and licensing broadband operators to support connectivity expansion.
He explained that satellite services are also being integrated into Ghana’s universal access agenda to improve connectivity for schools, support telemedicine services, and provide farmers with access to market information.
The Deputy Minister stressed that technology alone would not be enough to close the connectivity gap, insisting that collaboration among governments, regulators, and industry stakeholders remains critical.
“Partnership is not a complement to this agenda. It is the agenda,” he stated.
Mr. Sukparu further called on the 56 member states of the Commonwealth to utilise the Commonwealth ITU Group to deepen cooperation in areas such as spectrum harmonisation, joint procurement, interoperability standards, and shared financing mechanisms.
He urged stakeholders to commit to making digital connectivity accessible to all citizens, regardless of location or economic status.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
