Ghana reaffirms commitment to a secure and sovereign African internet at ICANN82

Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam Nartey George has joined global and African leaders to address the critical challenges and opportunities of Internet governance and digital sovereignty on the continent. During a high-level ministerial session, Hon. George emphasized Ghana’s readiness to collaborate with Smart Africa and all stakeholders to build a more secure, resilient, and sovereign African internet.

The session, which brought together ministers, policymakers, and stakeholders, highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and proactive strategies in shaping Africa’s digital future.

In his address, Hon. Sam George stressed the need for African nations to work together to strengthen Internet infrastructure, harmonize governance frameworks, and ensure digital sovereignty. “Ghana stands ready to collaborate with Smart Africa and all stakeholders to build a more secure, resilient, and sovereign African internet,” he said. “This is not just a matter of technology; it is a matter of economic growth, social development, and global competitiveness.”

The minister highlighted Ghana’s efforts to expand connectivity, enhance cybersecurity, and promote digital inclusion as part of its broader vision for a digitally empowered nation. He also emphasized the importance of leveraging partnerships and innovation to address the challenges of Internet governance and digital transformation.

Ghana has been at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation journey, with initiatives such as the National Digital Transformation Strategy and the Ghana Digital Innovation Hub fostering a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and growth. The country’s commitment to expanding connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas, has been a key driver of its digital inclusion efforts.

During the session, Hon. George shared insights into Ghana’s progress in building a robust digital infrastructure, including the deployment of fibre-optic networks, the establishment of Community Information Centers (CICs), and the implementation of cybersecurity frameworks to protect critical national infrastructure.

The ministerial session at ICANN82 also featured contributions from other prominent leaders, including Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, Kurt-Erik "Kurtis" Lindqvist, CEO of ICANN, and Mrs. Aurélie Adam Soule Zoumarou, Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalization of Benin.

By:  Robert Annor