Story by George Yawson VINEH
Ghana is seeking re-election to the Council of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) while presenting the candidature of the Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, for a seat on the Radio Regulations Board (RRB).
The country is making the bids at the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), taking place in Doha, Qatar, from November 9 to 27, 2026.
Ghana’s participation underscores its commitment to international cooperation and active involvement in shaping global telecommunications policies and digital governance.
Through its bid for re-election to the ITU Council, Ghana hopes to sustain its influence in determining the policies, priorities and strategic direction of the Union, while championing the interests of developing countries in the global digital ecosystem.
The country’s second bid seeks representation on the Radio Regulations Board through Rev. Ing. Fianko, whose potential election would give Ghana a role in the international management of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.
The RRB is responsible for overseeing the application and interpretation of the Radio Regulations, which provide the framework for the use of these critical global resources.
The Plenipotentiary Conference, which is the ITU’s highest policy-making body, is held every four years. It brings together member states to determine the organisation’s future direction, adopt strategic and financial plans, and elect its leadership, Council members and members of the RRB.
At this year’s conference, 48 member states will be elected to serve on the ITU Council, while 12 members will be selected for the Radio Regulations Board.
The conference comes at a time of rapid technological advancement and growing concerns about unequal access to digital opportunities.
In her opening remarks, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin stressed the significance of the decisions to be taken, noting that they would shape the digital future for generations.
She observed that despite the opportunities created by emerging technologies, billions of people remain unconnected, calling for a stronger and more resilient ITU capable of ensuring that technological benefits reach everyone, everywhere.
Ghana’s campaign is anchored in its contributions to the work of the Union and its commitment to universal and meaningful connectivity, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, digital skills development and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies.
Samuel Nartey George calls for equitable access to AI
Meanwhile, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, who is leading Ghana’s delegation, has called for stronger global partnerships to democratise access to artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure.
Speaking at a Ministerial Roundtable Forum, the Minister warned that unequal access to computing power, quality data and the resources needed to develop advanced technologies was creating a new form of digital divide, particularly for developing countries.
Using the example of a young Ghanaian innovator with a promising AI idea but limited access to computing resources and financing, he highlighted the structural barriers confronting innovators in developing economies.
“Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not,” he stated.
Mr George called for international cooperation that goes beyond traditional assistance to include investments in digital infrastructure, technology transfer, skills development and equitable access to emerging technologies.
He urged governments, development institutions and private sector players to establish practical partnerships capable of addressing the financing and capacity gaps confronting developing countries.
The Minister also challenged participating countries to ensure that the Doha Ministerial Declaration translates into concrete outcomes and practical partnerships rather than remaining a mere statement of intent.
Ghana’s participation in the 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference is expected to strengthen its engagement in international telecommunications governance, deepen strategic partnerships and advance its contribution towards building a more inclusive and connected global digital future.
Ghana Seeks Re-election To ITU Council, NCA Director-General Eyes Radio Regulations Board Seat
