Marking three decades of regulatory evolution, the National Communications Authority has declared its ambition to transform Africa from a consumer-based market into a “Global Digital Region.”
Speaking at the opening of the 1st African Preparatory Meeting for the World Telecommunications Standardization Assembly (WTSA), Director General Edmund Yirenkyi Fiankor emphasized that the authority has transitioned from a budding agency into a “full-blown community” dedicated to strengthening collaboration across the continent.
The Director General identified technical standardization as the fundamental pillar enabling market development and innovation. He noted that the authority’s commitment is backed by strategic investments, specifically pointing to the 2018 commissioning of specialized laboratories for standards and type approval.
”Standardization is a core pillar of policy and market development that enables interoperability, supports innovation, and builds trust in the digital sector,” Fiankor stated.
These investments have allowed Ghana to move beyond domestic regulation into regional leadership, providing certification, interoperability assurance, and technical collaboration for neighboring nations.
He further highlighted Ghana’s role as a training hub, noting that in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the country has delivered performance and interoperability programs to both English and French-speaking African countries. This pioneering move, he noted, has been instrumental in strengthening capacity for quality-of-service monitoring across the sub-region.
Ghana’s influence currently extends to the global stage, with the nation’s experts serving as vice-chairs on various ITU study groups. This active participation ensures that African human resources are directly involved in “shaping global standards” rather than merely adopting them.
Continental Unity and Global Representation
Addressing the delegates, Fiankor stressed that Africa’s progress is best achieved through “aligning positions and supporting one another in global processes.” He urged participants to build consensus during the preparatory meetings to ensure the continent speaks with a unified voice.
The summit also served as a platform for Ghana to reaffirm its international aspirations. The Director General confirmed the nation’s candidacy for the ITU Council and the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Council. Additionally, he highlighted his own candidacy for the ITU Radio Regulations Board, seeking the support of member states for the upcoming elections.
Reflecting on the 30th anniversary of the National Communications Authority, Fiankor called for a forward-looking approach to digital governance. He noted that ongoing discussions regarding common emergency numbers and universal service models are reminders that technical work must “deliver meaningful benefits for all citizens.”
The meeting concluded with an appreciation for the continued partnership between the ITU and ATU, with the Director General inviting all delegates to experience the cultural heritage and hospitality of Ghana beyond the formal sessions.
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
