Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation has called for a unified African position on global telecommunications standards as Ghana opened a major preparatory meeting for the 2028 World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-28).
Speaking at the gathering in Accra, the minister said African countries must strengthen coordination and increase their influence in setting global digital rules. “We want to develop unified African proposals that reflect our continent’s needs while aligning with global standards,” George said. “We must become rule-makers, not just rule-takers!”
The meeting, hosted by Ghana in collaboration with the African Telecommunications Union and the International Telecommunication Union, brings together regulators, policymakers and industry players to align the continent’s strategy ahead of WTSA-28.
George said standards remain critical to the global digital economy, describing them as “the invisible architecture of the digital world,” adding that they “ensure interoperability, foster innovation, enhance security, and enable inclusive access to digital services.” The Accra meeting marks the start of Africa’s coordination process toward WTSA-28 and includes parallel discussions on over-the-top services and the implementation of a common emergency number across the continent.
Africa is seeking to build on gains made at the 2024 assembly, where the continent submitted about 37 common proposals, with 34 adopted, including new resolutions on artificial intelligence, the metaverse and ITU strategic planning. African representation also expanded, with 29 experts from 13 countries securing leadership roles across ITU study groups.
According to him, increasing Africa’s contribution to global standard-setting would require targeted capacity-building, stronger institutional collaboration and mentorship programs to support technical experts.
“Our main technical priorities are bridging the digital divide through rural broadband, enhancing cybersecurity via robust frameworks, promoting affordable connectivity with infrastructure sharing, and fostering safe, inclusive advancement of AI and IoT,” he said. The minister also used the platform to lobby support for Ghana’s re-election to the ITU Council and Radio Regulations Board for the 2027–2030 term at the upcoming plenipotentiary conference in Doha.
“We kindly and specifically request your vote during the Plenipotentiary Conference to help Ghana retain its seat at the Council and to support the re-appointment of Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko… to the ITU’s Radio Regulations Board (RRB),” he said.
The minister further praised the leadership of ATU Secretary General John Omo, noting that under his tenure membership rose from 37 to 52 countries, improving the organization’s financial stability and influence. The minister also encouraged support for Seizo Onoe to continue as director of the ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, citing his role in advancing global standards for emerging technologies.
The week-long meetings in Accra are expected to shape Africa’s collective position ahead of WTSA-28, as governments seek greater influence in global digital governance amid rapid advances in artificial intelligence, 5G and other technologies.
