Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has called for satellite technology to be positioned as a “frontline tool” in efforts to close the country’s digital access gap, as the government intensifies its push for broader connectivity and digital inclusion across underserved communities.
Speaking at a high-level policy engagement on digital connectivity under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) discussions on inclusive broadband access, the Deputy Minister stressed that satellite infrastructure would be critical in extending reliable internet access to remote and hard-to-reach areas where traditional terrestrial networks remain limited.
He said bridging the digital divide required “innovative and inclusive technologies,” noting that satellite connectivity offered an opportunity to expand digital access for schools, health facilities, businesses and rural communities without depending solely on fibre or mobile tower expansion.
The Deputy Minister indicated that the government’s digital transformation agenda must prioritise universal access to connectivity to ensure that no region is excluded from participating in the digital economy.
According to him, satellite solutions could support national objectives in education, healthcare delivery, e-governance and financial inclusion, particularly in areas with weak telecommunications infrastructure.
Sukparu further highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between governments, regulators, development partners and private sector technology firms to accelerate investments in digital infrastructure across Africa.
He described partnerships as essential for “scaling connectivity solutions” and improving the affordability and accessibility of internet services for underserved populations.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the need for policy frameworks that encourage innovation while ensuring sustainable investment in communications infrastructure.
His remarks come as Ghana continues to expand its broader digitalisation programme through initiatives aimed at increasing broadband penetration, improving rural telephony services and enhancing digital public services.
Ghana, in recent years, rolled out several digital inclusion projects, including the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project, which seeks to extend voice and data coverage to unserved and underserved communities nationwide.
