Gender Equality In Digital Transformation: NCA Leads Ghana’s WTISD 2025

May 19, 2025. The National Communications Authority (NCA) under the auspices of the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations (MoCDTI) and in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), joined the rest of the world to celebrate the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025 (WTISD-2025) under the theme “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation”.

Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations (MoCDTI) stated that the theme resonates strongly with Sustainable Development Goal 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. He stated that it is a timely reminder that the digital revolution must be inclusive as the digital age should not be defined solely by speed or access but must be about inclusion, empowerment, and equity.

He reiterated the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to the Girls in ICT Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at bridging the gender digital divide by equipping girls with skills in STEM. This initiative, he said, is not an act of charity but a strategy as a digital economy that excludes women is one that limits its own potential.

Addressing recent concerns about data pricing, the Minister noted that he has commissioned the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to conduct an independent study on tariffs in Ghana. The goal is to align the findings with the NCA’s report and use the combined insights to inform policy decisions. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a reduction in data prices by the end of the year.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey (MP), Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, reaffirmed her Ministry’s dedication to strengthening digital rights and promoting and protecting women’s and girls’ technological empowerment through improved policies and advocacy.

The Acting Director General of the NCA, Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, stated that the Government is committed to building a more inclusive, connected, and digitally empowered nation. “As the digital economy continues to evolve, it is our responsibility to ensure that access is equitable, meaningful, and empowering, particularly for women and girls who, often, remain on the margins of digital innovation,” he said.

He took advantage of the occasion to comment on quality of service and data prices, urging consumers to be patient as the Authority collaborates with stakeholders to deliver reliable, secure, high-quality, and affordable communication services in Ghana.

 “The Authority has strengthened its focus on consumer protection by restructuring its Divisions to place greater emphasis on Consumer Affairs. We are intensifying quality of service monitoring, verification of billing accuracy, terminal device testing, type approval, market surveillance, and complaints management. Service providers will be required to respond promptly to the consumer issues we will be bringing to their attention,” Rev. Ing. Edmund Y. Fianko remarked.

Reading a speech on behalf of the ITU Secretary-General, the Deputy Director General for Technical Operations at the NCA, Mr. Suleman Salifu, emphasised that this year’s theme underscores the urgent need to close the digital access and skills gap that disproportionately affects women and girls. “The ITU fully supports these global efforts to ensure that everyone has the confidence, skills, and opportunities to thrive in today’s digital world,” he said.

Mr. Edmond Moukala, the UNESCO Representative to Ghana, delivered a speech on behalf of the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, in which he emphasised that, the disparities are not merely theoretical; they have real, profound effects. He noted that such inequalities hinder economic expansion, innovation, and the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The NCA’s Deputy Director General in charge of Managerial Operations (DDG,MO), Mrs. Etta Mosore, moderated the panel discussion, which explored women and digital transformation, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges in promoting gender equality in ICT and empowering women in ICT careers and entrepreneurship.

The Panellists included Vera Karikari Bediako, Chief Programme Officer at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP); Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana; and Estelle Akofio-Sowah, West Africa Regional Director for CSquared.

The event, held at the NCA Tower, concluded with a flag hoisting ceremony on the NCA premises, led by Hon. Samuel Nartey George.