WTISD 2023 – Public-Private Partnership to Improve Connectivity

17^th May, 2023: The National Communications Authority (NCA) has today, Wednesday, 17^th May, 2023, marked the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) which is celebrated annually worldwide with a Forum. The event which was held at the NCA Tower in Accra was commemorated on the theme “Public-Private Partnership to Improve Connectivity”.

Prof. Ezer Osei Yeboah-Boateng, Deputy Director General, Technical Operations, giving
 the welcome address

In a welcome address read on behalf of the Director General, Mr. Joe Anokye, the Deputy Director General in charge of Technical Operations, Prof. Ezer Osei Yeboah-Boateng, stated that Ghana’s government, through the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD), has been actively promoting its Digital Agenda which seeks to bridge the digital divide, enhance digital literacy and increase access to connectivity. To achieve this, he emphasised that the Ministry and its Agencies have implemented various initiatives such as Rural Telephony, UMTS 900, Girls in ICT, Community Information Centres and National Roaming amongst others. Prof. Yeboah-Boateng also noted that these projects are being monitored to ensure their efficient sustainability and to achieve its objective of improving connectivity.

Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Hon. Ama Pomaa Boateng,
 delivering the keynote address

The Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Hon. Ama Pomaa Boateng, addressing participants on behalf of the Sector Minister, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful,   highlighted that the Rural Telephony Project (RTP) and the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project (GRT&DIP) are dedicated to bridging the connectivity gap in underserved and unserved communities within the country. She indicated that these initiatives aim to provide voice and data services to rural areas and are focused on extending network coverage to rural locations through sustainable methods.

Speaking on the Girls in ICT project, Hon. Ama Pomaa Boateng stated that the government has raised its target of training people. This, she said includes Government’s commitment of  $2.6 million to develop innovation centres aimed at educating 3,000 individuals by 2024.

The Board Chairman of NCA, Mr. Emmil Osei-Bonsu, delivering a speech

Mr. Emmil Osei-Bonsu Jnr., the Board Chairman of NCA, delivered a speech on behalf of the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), highlighting that WTISD offers a platform for a shared responsibility in assisting Least Developed Countries (LDCs). He emphasised that this collective effort aims to make 2023 a year of remarkable digital progress in LDCs, fostering a globally connected world where everyone, regardless of their location, can access and benefit from technology.

The Head of the Office and Representative of UNESCO to Ghana, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo, was also present to deliver the message of the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres. He stated that Ghana must dramatically improve accessibility and inclusivity and eliminate the digital divide.

As part of the programme, a panel discussion was also held on the topic, ‘How stakeholders can collaborate to bridge Ghana’s connectivity gap’. The panel consisted of prominent stakeholders in the Communications Industry, each representing their respective organizations. Among the esteemed executives present were Mr. Prince Ofosu Sefah from the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Mr. Solomon Richardson from the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), Mr. Emmanuel Kwarteng from MainOne Ghana, and Mr. Selorm Adadevoh from MTN Ghana.

The Panellists sharing knowledge on the theme

The panel shared their experiences, steps taken, collaborations with the Public Sector, and future projections for optimum connectivity. The panelists recognised the vital role the government played in shaping connectivity policies and regulations. They also emphasised the need for public-private partnerships to drive progress and stressed the importance of ongoing cooperation to address emerging challenges and maximise the impact of their collective efforts.

                                    

A cross section of participants at the event

A group photograph of some participants with the Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitalisation