The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has inaugurated the newly-constituted Board of the National Communications Authority (NCA) and charged them to restore Ghana’s leadership position in the rollout of modern digital technology.
The newly inaugurated Board members are: Madam Mavis Ampah (Board Chair), Rev. Ing. Edmund Y. Fianko (Acting Director General of the NCA), Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu (Deputy Minister, MoCDTI), Dr. George Atta-Boateng, Mr. George Sarpong, Dr. Augustina Odame, Dr. Mahama Seth Sayibu, Dr. Selaise Agyinasare, and Madam Barbara Serwaa Asamoah.
The Board, established in accordance with Article 70 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and Section 6 of the National Communications Authority Act, 2008 (Act 769), is mandated to ensure the proper and effective performance of the Authority’s functions.
In his remarks, Sam George charged the new Board to “hit the ground running,” describing it as the last board to be inaugurated under his Ministry, and one of the most consequential, given the ongoing evolution of the sector.
“We are at a defining moment for the communications sector,” the Minister stated. “This Board may well be one of the most consequential, as we embark on redefining key laws and regulations of the NCA to reflect the fast-changing realities of our digital ecosystem.”
He noted that Ghana once led Africa in the deployment of 3G and 4G technologies, but the country is lagging behind in the rollout of modern technology, particular 5G.
The Minister had earlier put the deadline for the rollout of 5G at the close of this year and warned that failure on the part of NextGen Infraco to meet the deadline will result in the review of their licensing terms, particularly the 10-year exclusivity clause.
“The task before us now is to reposition the NCA as a leader in innovation, agility, and regulatory excellence,” the Minister said.
Sam George further emphasised the importance of spectrum optimisation, Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE), urging the Board to address these priorities with a forward-looking approach.
He also announced that next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the NCA’s establishment, which will be commemorated with a year-long celebration highlighting its pioneering leadership and contributions to Ghana’s telecommunications landscape.
The Minister charged the Board to provide strategic oversight, stressing that “the NCA is the jewel in the crown of this Ministry,” and its success directly impacts the lives of all Ghanaians.
The Minister added, “With your diverse expertise and experience, I am confident that you will strengthen the Authority’s capacity to deliver on its mandate and drive innovation across the communications sector.”
He further commended the appointment of Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, Acting Director-General of the NCA, who is also a member of the Board. He noted that Rev. Ing. Fianko’s presence provides valuable institutional memory and technical insight.
Delivering the acceptance speech on behalf of the Board, Madam Mavis Ampah expressed gratitude to the President for the trust and opportunity to serve.
“It is an honour to serve and contribute to Ghana’s communications landscape. On behalf of my colleagues, I thank the President for the immense trust placed in us and the Minister for his guidance and leadership. We are committed to ensuring transparency, integrity, and inclusion in all we do. This sector is not without challenges, but with our collective dedication, we will make decisions we can confidently defend and leverage technology to drive national progress,” she stated.
Madam Ampah’s appointment marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first female Board Chair of the NCA.
The inauguration signifies a renewed chapter for the NCA as it continues its mandate to regulate communications in Ghana, promote innovation, and protect consumer interests in an increasingly digital era.
