Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has reaffirmed Ghana’s support for deeper regional digital integration and postal sector reforms during talks with the Executive Secretary of the West African Postal Conference (WAPCO), as West African governments seek to modernize logistics and trade infrastructure.
The discussions centered on efforts to reposition the regional postal organization into a more project-driven institution focused on digital services, logistics efficiency and cross-border connectivity, according to a statement from the ministry.
WAPCO Executive Secretary Mohamed Lamine Diallo, on his first official mission to a member state since taking office, praised Ghana’s renewed engagement in regional and international postal affairs and called for a shift toward practical cooperation among member states.
“We must have fewer meetings and more projects that bring all our postal administrations together,” Diallo said, adding that his goal is to leave behind “a dynamic regional institution with sustainable programmes and stronger partnerships.”
The meeting comes as governments across West Africa push to improve trade facilitation and digital infrastructure under the broader framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to boost intra-African commerce by reducing barriers and improving regional connectivity.
According to the minister, Ghana sees postal services evolving beyond traditional mail delivery into digital service and logistics hubs capable of supporting e-commerce, digital payments and regional trade flows.
“Half of the way to fixing a problem is identifying the problem,” the minister said. “The diagnosis you have undertaken sets WAPCO on the right path to becoming a stronger and more impactful institution for postal operations across West Africa.”
He also stressed the need for more efficient regional logistics systems, arguing that existing infrastructure should allow goods and services to move more seamlessly across borders.
“If we can transmit electricity and internet across borders, then we should also be able to move parcels directly across West Africa without unnecessary detours,” George said.
Postal operators across Africa have faced mounting pressure to modernize as digital commerce expands and consumers demand faster delivery systems. Many governments are increasingly viewing postal networks as part of broader digital transformation and financial inclusion strategies rather than solely mail distribution channels.
George assured Diallo of Ghana’s continued backing for WAPCO’s reform agenda, signaling support for efforts to build a more integrated and technologically driven regional postal system.
