The National Communications Authority (NCA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations (MoCDTI), is hosting the First African Preparatory Meeting for the World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly 2028 (WTSA-28) in Accra.
The 5-Day meeting which is being held in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) from 13th to 17th April 2026 at the Palms by Eagles Hotel, is taking place alongside the Joint ITU-ATU Workshops on Over-the-Top (OTT) services and the implementation of a Common Emergency Number in Africa, as well as the Meetings of ITU-T Study Groups 2 and 3 Regional Groups for Africa.
Delivering the Key note address, Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George touted Africa’s pivotal role in formulating in global ICT standards.
He stressed that over the years Africa held critical leadership positions across the structures of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), and also gotten majority of its proposed standards adopted globally.
He later underscored the importance of unity and coordinated action as the continent prepares for WTSA-28.
In that regard, the Minister said during the WTSA-24, Africa submitted thirty-seven (37) Common Proposals, of which thirty-four (34) were adopted, including new resolutions on Artificial Intelligence, the Metaverse, and ITU Strategic Planning.
Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George
The Ningo -Prampram Member of Parliament further noted that Africa secured twenty-nine (29) leadership positions across ITU structures, with experts from thirteen (13) countries serving as Chairs, Vice Chairs, and TSAG Vice Chairs, marking a significant milestone in the continent’s participation in global standard-setting.
He emphasised that the current preparatory meeting presents a critical opportunity for Africa to align positions, strengthen regional cooperation, and build consensus.
“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. We must ensure standardisation supports innovation and remains flexible. It should be guided by technology neutrality, inclusivity, and sustainability”, he said.
Director-General of the NCA, Rev. Ing. Edmund Y. Fianko
On his part, the Director-General of the NCA, Rev. Ing. Edmund Y. Fianko, welcomed delegates from across Africa and beyond, stressing that the gathering is particularly significant as it coincides with the Authority’s 30th anniversary.
He said the milestone reflects three decades of regulatory leadership and deepening collaboration within the continent and with global partners.
“The NCA remains committed to advancing standardisation as a key pillar for driving interoperability, innovation, and trust in the digital ecosystem”, Ing. Fianko emphasized.
He later indicated that the establishment of the Type Approval and Conformance Laboratories and the Authority’s continued partnership with the ITU in building capacity across Africa is an indication of Ghana’s role and contribution to the ATU and ITU.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s readiness to support regional cooperation and contribute meaningfully to global standard-setting efforts.
The Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union, Mr. John Omo, in his remarks, emphasised that while mobile ownership in Africa continues to grow, it has not yet translated into meaningful connectivity for many citizens. He noted that although 66% of individuals aged 10 and above owned mobile phones in 2024, active mobile broadband usage remains significantly lower, highlighting persistent gaps in affordability, quality of service, and digital inclusion.
The Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union, Mr. John Omo
Citing data from the GSMA and the ITU, he pointed out that while the coverage gap has narrowed, a substantial usage gap remains, with hundreds of millions still offline. He further stressed that affordability continues to be a major barrier, with mobile broadband costs in many African countries exceeding global targets.
Mr. Omo underscored that the discussions in Accra, particularly on Over-the-Top (OTT) services, are timely and critical, as they directly impact the economics of network investment and the continent’s ability to deliver more accessible, reliable, and affordable digital services.
Source:www.senaradioonline.com
