Sam George Inaugurates New NCA Board, Tasks Members to Restore Ghana’s Digital Leadership
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has inaugurated the newly constituted Board of the National Communications Authority (NCA), charging its members to restore Ghana’s leadership position in the rollout of advanced digital technologies.
The nine-member Board, chaired by Madam Mavis Ampah, includes Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko (Acting Director-General of the NCA), Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu (Deputy Minister, MoCDTI), Dr. George Atta-Boateng, Mr. George Sarpong, Dr. Augustina Odame, Dr. Mahama Seth Sayibu, Dr. Selaise Agyinasare, and Madam Barbara Serwaa Asamoah.
The Board was established in accordance with Article 70 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 6 of the National Communications Authority Act, 2008 (Act 769), and is mandated to ensure the proper and effective performance of the Authority’s regulatory functions.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mr George urged the new Board to “hit the ground running,” describing it as one of the most consequential under his Ministry given the ongoing transformation of Ghana’s communications sector.
“We are at a defining moment for the communications sector,” the Minister stated. “This Board may well be one of the most consequential, as we embark on redefining key laws and regulations of the NCA to reflect the fast-changing realities of our digital ecosystem.”
He noted that Ghana, once a continental leader in the deployment of 3G and 4G networks, has fallen behind in rolling out fifth-generation (5G) technology. Mr George reiterated his earlier deadline for the 5G rollout by the end of this year and cautioned that failure by NextGen Infraco to meet the deadline could trigger a review of its licensing terms, including the 10-year exclusivity clause.
“The task before us now is to reposition the NCA as a leader in innovation, agility, and regulatory excellence,” he added.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of spectrum optimisation, Quality of Service (QoS), and Quality of Experience (QoE), urging the Board to adopt a forward-looking approach in tackling these issues.
He further disclosed that 2026 will mark the NCA’s 30th anniversary, to be commemorated with a year-long celebration of its pioneering leadership and contributions to Ghana’s telecommunications development.
“The NCA is the jewel in the crown of this Ministry,” Mr George said. “Its success directly impacts the lives of all Ghanaians. With your diverse expertise and experience, I am confident that you will strengthen the Authority’s capacity to deliver on its mandate and drive innovation across the communications sector.”
Mr George also commended the appointment of Rev. Ing. Fianko as Acting Director-General, noting that his institutional experience and technical expertise would provide continuity and strategic depth to the Board’s work.
In her acceptance remarks, Madam Mavis Ampah expressed gratitude to the President and the Minister for the confidence reposed in the new Board, pledging to uphold transparency and integrity in its operations.
“It is an honour to serve and contribute to Ghana’s communications landscape,” she said. “We are committed to ensuring transparency, integrity, and inclusion in all we do. This sector is not without challenges, but with our collective dedication, we will make decisions we can confidently defend and leverage technology to drive national progress.”
Madam Ampah’s appointment marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to chair the NCA Board.
The inauguration marks a renewed chapter for the Authority as it continues to regulate the communications sector, promote innovation, and safeguard consumer interests in Ghana’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
