Samuel Nartey George (MP), Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, has urged African countries to shift their focus from expanding network coverage to achieving meaningful connectivity that enables citizens to participate fully in the digital economy.
Speaking at the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26) in Abuja, Nigeria, the Minister said digital transformation must be centred on people rather than infrastructure alone.
Mr Sam George cautioned African leaders, regulators and industry stakeholders against measuring digital progress solely by the availability of network signals, stressing that access to technology must translate into real opportunities for citizens.
“We must resist the temptation to mistake a coverage map for progress,” he said. “Meaningful connectivity is not a signal bar on a handset. It is regular access, on a capable device, at sufficient speed, with enough data, and with the skills and trust to turn that access into opportunity.”
The Minister highlighted Ghana’s digital transformation efforts, citing investments in rural telephony expansion, the implementation of the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, the rollout of new 5G licences and digital skills development programmes, including One Million Coders and Girls-in-ICT.
He explained that these initiatives form part of Ghana’s broader strategy to bridge the digital divide and ensure that technology becomes a tool for economic empowerment, education and social development.
Mr Sam George also emphasised the need for deliberate policies to make internet access more affordable across the continent. He described data affordability as a critical policy matter that requires government intervention rather than relying solely on market forces.
The Minister called for stronger cooperation among African countries, arguing that the continent has the expertise, talent and resources needed to shape its own digital future.
“Africa’s digital future will not be imported; it will be designed by African policymakers, built by African engineers, and animated by African talent,” he said.
He further reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to supporting regional collaboration aimed at creating an inclusive, resilient and innovative digital ecosystem that delivers meaningful socio-economic benefits to citizens.
As part of Ghana’s continued engagement in global telecommunications governance, Hon. Sam George appealed to ATU member states to support Ghana’s re-election to the ATU Council and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council. He also sought support for the re-election of Ing. Edmund Fianko to the ITU Radio Regulations Board.
The Minister maintained that Africa’s digital advancement would depend on collective action, strategic investment and policies that place citizens at the centre of technological development.
