Communication Minister Calls for People-Centred Digital Transformation Across Africa
The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has called on African leaders, regulators, and industry stakeholders to adopt a people-centred approach to digital transformation.
Speaking at the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26) in Abuja, Nigeria, the Minister urged African countries to redefine digital development by prioritising meaningful connectivity over mere network coverage.
“True digital inclusion must empower people to fully participate in the digital economy,” he said.
Mr George stressed that African countries must resist the temptation to equate network coverage with real progress.
“Meaningful connectivity is not a signal bar on a handset. It is regular access, on a capable device, at sufficient speed, with enough data, and with the skills and trust to turn that access into opportunity,” he stated.
Highlighting Ghana’s progress, the Minister cited the country’s deliberate investments in expanding digital access and inclusion.
He pointed to the expansion of rural telephony, the implementation of the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, the rollout of new 5G licences, and digital skills programmes such as One Million Coders and Girls-in-ICT as key interventions driving Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.
Calling for greater continental cooperation, Mr George emphasised that Africa possesses the talent and capacity to shape its own digital future.
“Africa’s digital future will not be imported; it will be designed by African policymakers, built by African engineers, and animated by African talent,” he said.
The Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to advancing Africa’s digital agenda through stronger regional collaboration.
He also appealed to member states to support Ghana’s re-election to both the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Council and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council. Additionally, he sought support for the re-election of Ing. Edmund Fianko to the ITU Radio Regulations Board.
Caleb Blaber, ISD
