November 11, 2026 – Ghana is participating in the 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, from 9 to 27 November 2026, seeking re-election to the ITU Council and presenting the candidature of the Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, for a seat on the Radio Regulations Board (RRB).

Ghana’s Candidature for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations Board (RRB)- Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA)

Ghana’s participation reflects its continued commitment to international cooperation and active engagement in global telecommunications and digital governance. Through its bid for re-election to the ITU Council, Ghana seeks to sustain its contribution to shaping the policies, priorities and strategic direction of the Union while advancing the interests of developing countries in the global digital ecosystem.

The country is also seeking representation on the Radio Regulations Board through the candidature of Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko. The RRB plays a critical role in the international management of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits, including the application and interpretation of the Radio Regulations, which govern the use of these essential global resources.

The Plenipotentiary Conference, the ITU’s highest policy-making body, is held every four years. It brings together Member States to determine the Union’s future direction, establish its general policies, adopt its four-year strategic and financial plans, and elect its leadership, Council members and members of the RRB.

At the conference, 48 Member States will be elected to serve on the ITU Council, which acts as the Union’s governing body between Plenipotentiary Conferences. The conference will also elect 12 members to the RRB.

ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin delivering her remarks

The 2026 conference is taking place against the backdrop of rapid technological advancement and growing calls for inclusive digital development. In her opening remarks, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasised the importance of the decisions to be taken at the conference, noting that they would shape the digital future for generations.

She observed that while emerging technologies continue to create new possibilities, billions of people remain unconnected. She therefore called for a stronger and more resilient ITU that can support its members in navigating technological change while ensuring that the benefits of technology reach everyone, everywhere.

Ghana’s campaign is underpinned by its experience and contributions to the work of the ITU and its commitment to advancing universal and meaningful connectivity, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, digital skills development and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies.

Minister Calls for Global Partnerships to Democratise Access to AI and Digital Infrastructure

Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not- Minister for Communication,
Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, who is leading Ghana’s delegation to the conference, also participated in a Ministerial Roundtable Forum, where he stressed the need for stronger global partnerships to democratise access to artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure, particularly for developing countries.

He cautioned that a new digital divide was emerging, driven by unequal access to computing power, quality data and the resources required to develop advanced technologies. Using the example of a young Ghanaian innovator with a promising AI idea but limited access to computing resources and financing, he highlighted the barriers confronting innovators in developing economies.

“Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not,” he stated.

The Minister called for international cooperation that goes beyond traditional assistance to include investment in digital infrastructure, technology transfer, skills development and equitable access to emerging technologies. He further urged governments, development institutions and the private sector to build practical partnerships that address the financing and capacity gaps facing developing countries.

He also called on participating countries to ensure that the Doha Ministerial Declaration translates into tangible outcomes and practical partnerships rather than remaining a statement of intent.

Ghana’s participation in PP-26 provides an important platform to advance its engagement in international telecommunications governance, strengthen strategic partnerships and contribute to decisions that will shape a more inclusive and connected digital future.

Ghana’s Delegation at the Opening Ceremony of the ITU Plenipotentiary
Conference 2026 in Doha, Qatar.

NCA/GN/2026/51