By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Ghana
has reiterated its dedication to advancing an inclusive and sustainable digital
future as it took part in the World Telecommunication Development Conference
(WTDC-25) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The Chairperson of the National Communications
Authority, Mavis Ampah, delivered a policy statement outlining the country’s
progress in digital transformation and its priorities for international
support.
Ms.
Ampah highlighted key national initiatives, including the Rural Telephony and
Digital Inclusion Programme, which has extended connectivity to more than one
million previously unserved citizens. She also noted the impact of the One
Million Coders programme, designed to equip young people with essential digital
skills.
Addressing
delegates, Ms. Ampah stressed the need for affordable connectivity,
strengthened digital skills, and enhanced capacity-building for artificial
intelligence. She urged the international community to back Ghana’s agenda,
proposing increased technical assistance for affordable infrastructure,
measures to reduce mobile data costs, scalable programmes for digital and AI
skills, and gender-responsive initiatives.
She
stated that Ghana’s participation at WTDC-25 reflects its commitment to using
digital technologies to drive national development and foster global
cooperation. She further pointed to the country’s emphasis on inclusivity and
empowerment, citing the Girls-in-ICT initiative as a model for advancing gender
equity in the digital space.
As
Ghana seeks support for its re-election to the ITU Council and its candidate
for the Radio Regulations Board, Ms. Ampah said the country remains focused on
strengthening its digital transformation efforts to boost economic growth and
improve the well-being of its citizens.
She
outlined four key proposals for support: technical assistance for affordable,
last-mile and energy-efficient infrastructure; market interventions to lower
the cost of mobile data; scalable digital skills and AI capacity-building; and
gender-responsive programmes to expand Girls-in-ICT initiatives.
