By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])
Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has highlighted a robust roadmap set in tone to transform the country’s digital ecosystem, enhance transparency and accountability across the sector.
Speaking during his first quarterly press briefing, the minister emphasised that the technology and innovation space remains a critical pillar for economic transformation and youth empowerment.
As such, his outfit has employed measures to significantly harness the sector’s benefits toward development.
One million coders programme takes off
A flagship initiative highlighted is the One Million Coders Programme rollout, a project designed to equip youth with digital skills for the future of work.
The programme was launched on April 16, 2025 in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono and Upper East Regions, aimed at preparing young people for roles in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) sectors.
Mr. Nartey George also disclosed that a standardised digital curriculum has been developed by the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, ensuring equitable access to training across all regions.
“The ministry launched intensive efforts to mobilise partners and secure the resources needed to implement the programme and deliver results at scale through strategic diplomacy and public-private partnerships.
“A landmark memorandum of understanding was signed with the MTN Group, with several other agreements with other private Ghanaian and International partners currently being finalised to support implementation. The programme features 50/50 gender inclusion,” he stated.
Internet access and connectivity
The minister also revealed ongoing interventions to make internet access more affordable and accessible.
He recounted that the multi-stakeholder data cost-pricing committee that was formed in February to deliver a roadmap for reducing data costs. The report has since been submitted, with all three major mobile network operators agreeing to introduce special data bundles tailored for tertiary students, content creators and gig economy workers.
Additionally, network providers have agreed to offer discounted data packages on five national holidays each year.
Wasteful contracts
Underscoring the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, the minister announced a non-renewal of the controversial KelniGVG Common Monitoring Platform contract – citing alarming cost inefficiencies.
He stated that fees paid under the contract had ballooned, saying: “As of October 2024, the fees paid to KelniGVG represent 84 percent of the revenue accruing to the state. This means the state is paying far more to monitor the revenue than it retains”.
He added that the ministry has also begun investigating irregularities in other inherited contracts, particularly at the National Information Technology Agency (NITA). These include questionable payments to project management firms not directly contracted by the agency.
Also, as part of a broader clean-up, 13 staff under the World Bank-funded Ghana Digital Acceleration Programme have had their contracts terminated due to issues of concern.
“This became necessary to show our zero level of tolerance for any semblance of graft or corruption in the ministry,” he stated.
SIM registration
“We will commence public sensitisation and education toward the impending SIM registration and Central Equipment Identity Register….Ghanaians will not be saddled with having to abandon work and queue for long hours to register their SIMs. The process will be human-centred and technology-driven. This registration is critical for our collective security as a nation,” he indicates.
Legislative reform
To modernise the sector’s legal architecture, its sector minister is spearheading the redrafting of several outdated laws – some dating back over two decades
“To effectively regulate technology in today’s fast-evolving digital environment, I have initiated a comprehensive review of existing legislation and regulatory frameworks.
“We are redrafting outdated laws to ensure they reflect present realities, anticipate future developments and provide a transparent, enabling environment for innovation, investment and consumer protection. I am confident I will lay the revised legislation before prliament in its next meeting,” he said.
The Ghana Innovation and Startup bill, he added, has gained stakeholder support and is nearing finalisation.
Artificial intelligence
On the country’s artificial intelligence blueprint, he said: “Ghana has entered strategic partnerships with key partners such as the British High Commission, UNESCO and other international organisations to support efforts toward Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and blueprint.
“The ministry has commenced critical efforts to digitise the nation’s essential data sets as a foundational step in our national Artificial Intelligence agenda.”
Disinformation
To combat the rising tide of misinformation and disinformation, the minister will present specialised legislation in parliament to create a legal framework that manages false and harmful digital content.
The Cyber Security Authority has also intensified its monitoring efforts, collaborating with security agencies to ensure responsible communication in the digital space.
GIFEC reforms
The minister also noted that the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) has begun an inventory of digital centres and is pushing forward with completing the Rural Telephony Project to improve the digital inclusion drive.
“I have also directed an asset inventory of our infrastructure across the country to ensure that these centres, built primarily under the first John Mahama administration, are put to use,” he noted.
