Communications Minister calls for unified African position ahead of WTSA 2028

Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, urged African countries to harmonise their positions and strengthen cooperation ahead of the World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA) 2028. He spoke at the opening of the first African Preparatory Meeting for WTSA 2028 in Accra, emphasising that "a coordinated continental approach would enable Africa to play a more influential role in shaping global digital standards, rather than remaining a passive adopter."

The two-day meeting is being organised by the Africa Telecommunications Union in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union and the Ministry. Samuel Nartey George said, "We want to develop a united African proposal that reflects our continent's needs while aligning with global standards," adding that Africans must "become rule makers, not just rule takers." He outlined key priorities, including bridging the digital divide through rural broadband expansion, strengthening cybersecurity, promoting affordable connectivity, and ensuring the safe development of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.

Secretary-General of ATU, John Omo, noted that over 800 million Africans still lack mobile internet access and warned that affordability and trust issues persist. ITU's Telecommunication Standardisation Bureau Director, Seizo Onoe, called for impactful and widely adopted standards, while Director-General of the National Communications Authority, Rev. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, highlighted Ghana's growing role as a regional hub for equipment certification and interoperability.