Ghana and the United States are expanding discussions on digital cooperation, with Accra seeking stronger regulatory oversight of satellite technology while Washington explores deeper collaboration in connectivity, training and innovation.
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, hosted a senior U.S. delegation led by Brooke Donilon, Chief of Staff at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and Jaisha Wray, Associate Administrator of the agency, for talks on Ghana’s digital transformation agenda, the ministry said.
The delegation also included Laurie Kelleher, Acting Commercial Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, and Victoria Agbai, Commercial Specialist.
A key highlight of the engagement was Ghana’s hosting of the United States Telecommunications Training Institute satellite training program, the first time the initiative has been held in the country. U.S. officials expressed appreciation for the ministry’s role in facilitating the program.
George used the meeting to stress the need for stronger oversight of satellite technology deployment. He said regulatory frameworks must safeguard national interests, ensure fair competition and maintain security, according to a ministry briefing.
The comments underscore Ghana’s cautious approach to the rapid expansion of low Earth orbit satellite providers, including Starlink, as governments across Africa weigh issues of licensing, data governance and market competition alongside efforts to expand broadband access.
George also briefed the delegation on ongoing policy reforms, including a review of key legislation, the development of a national artificial intelligence strategy, and efforts to position Ghana as a leading digital hub in Africa.
He highlighted the One Million Coders Programme, designed to equip young people with coding and digital skills, and called for expanded international partnerships to scale the initiative.
The U.S. delegation commended Ghana’s digital agenda and welcomed continued collaboration. Both sides discussed potential cooperation in digital skills training, satellite deployment, connectivity expansion and responsible innovation.
The talks come as Ghana seeks to strengthen its economic recovery following its 2022 debt restructuring and International Monetary Fund program, with digital infrastructure increasingly viewed as central to private sector growth and fiscal modernization. The country is also positioning itself as a regional fintech and data hub.
For Washington, deeper engagement with Ghana reflects a broader effort to strengthen technology partnerships in Africa amid growing competition with Chinese firms, including Huawei and ZTE, which have long held significant telecom infrastructure contracts across the continent.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement aimed at advancing inclusive digital development, innovation and economic opportunity in Ghana, the ministry said.
