Minister for Communication opens 2025 Africa Internet Summit in Accra

Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations,  Samuel Nartey George, has officially opened the 2025 Africa Internet Summit in Accra, coinciding with Ghana’s celebration of 30 years of Internet connectivity.

In his address, the Minister reflected on Ghana’s landmark decision in 1995 to connect to the global Internet despite limited infrastructure and highlighted the nation’s progress over three decades. He cited milestones such as the establishment of the Ghana Internet Exchange in 2005, the arrival of multiple submarine cables, and the rise of a vibrant digital ecosystem, including mobile broadband, cloud data centres, and innovation hubs.

“The real success is not the cables, towers, or servers. It is the people – the young coders, network engineers, and entrepreneurs who are the heartbeat of Ghana’s digital revolution,” Hon. George said.

He also acknowledged ongoing challenges such as uneven access, high connectivity costs, inadequate digital literacy, and cyber vulnerabilities. Addressing these issues, he stressed, was essential for inclusive growth and protecting Africa’s digital sovereignty.

The Minister commended the contributions of national institutions including the National Communications Authority (NCA), Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Ghana Domain Name Registry, National Information Technology Agency (NITA), and Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC) in advancing digital transformation and expanding access, particularly in underserved communities.

Outlining his vision for Africa’s digital future, Hon. George identified five priority areas: connecting Africa to itself to reduce reliance on external routing; transitioning from consumers to creators of technology; retaining digital value through open-source and AI frameworks; powering the Internet with renewable energy; and fostering innovation while ensuring fair competition and consumer protection.

He further linked these ambitions to the government’s 24-Hour Economy agenda, aimed at creating jobs and improving service delivery through round-the-clock digital access. He emphasized that digital government services, e-commerce, telemedicine, and online education would all benefit from stronger infrastructure and robust cybersecurity.

“Let us turn connectivity into capability, and capability into opportunity. Together, we can ensure that the Internet remains a powerful engine of jobs, innovation, and progress for Africa,” he concluded.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye