The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, was honoured with the Public Sector Digital Leader of the Year award at the 14th Digital Innovation Awards (DIA) at the plush Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra on Friday.
The minister delivered a keynote address under the theme ‘Toward a Strategic Framework for AI’ at the esteemed gathering of technology leaders, innovators, policy-makers and industry stakeholders across the continent.
The Digital Leader of the Year award is presented every year to a public figure who has demonstrated visionary leadership, championed inclusive digital policies and delivered impactful results in advancing national and continental digital economies.
As sector minister with oversight over the National Communication Authority (NCA), Mr. George has led a bold and fast-paced transformational agenda for Ghana’s digital future.
Notable achievements under his leadership include the launch of the ‘One Million Coders Programme’ – which is aimed at training and skilling a new generation of Ghanaian digital talent; and most importantly, the negotiation of an affordable data bundle initiative with MTN, Telecel and AT Ghana, offering 6GB for 10gh cedi during selected public holidays, significantly making data accessible for millions of Ghanaians.
The 14th edition of the awards marks a transformative moment, with organisers looking at expanding their scope beyond Ghana with new categories celebrating Pan African leadership, digital innovation and impact across the continent.
Other notable winners on the night were Digital Trail Blazer of the Year, Archie Hesse – who announced his retirement on the night; as well as Banking Innovation CEO of the Year, Henry Onwuzurigbo.
Tech Lifetime Achievement award went to Ayotunde Coker, while Technology Innovator of the Year went to Alex Brown of Hubtel.
Regional CTO of the Year went to Samuel Yeboah, as Outstanding Woman in Tech went to Yacoba Amuasi.
Excellence in Digital Skills and Empowerment went to GIFEC, as the Cyber Security Team of the Year went to Cyber Tech.
Data Centre Provider of the Year went to Digital Realty (Nigeria) as the ICT Team of the Year went to Dynamic Data Solutions.
Best Use of Tech in Media went to TVC as Innovative Digital Terrestrial Leader went to K-Net.
Cyber Security Company of the Year went to e-crime Bureau, as ICT Solutions Company of the Year went to Dynamic Data Solutions (dds)
Tech Consulting Company of the Year went to Technology Advantage Group as FTTH provider of the year went to Telecel.
Digital Infrastructure Sales Team of the Year went to C-Squared, as well as Digital Infrastructure Provider of the Year.
Mobile App of the Year went to OmniBisic Bank, while DTH leader of the year went to K-Net; Enterprise Connectivity Provider of the Year went to COMSYS; and finally yet importantly, E-Commerce Platform of the Year went to Hubtel.
