Excerpt
he Ghana Domain Name Registry (GDNR) is a pivotal institution responsible for managing Ghana’s country code top-level domain (ccTLD), “.gh”. Established under the Electronic Transactions Act of 2008 (Act 772), the GDNR’s mandate encompasses the administration and management of the nation’s domain name space, ensuring compliance with international best practices, and regulating registries and registrars within the country.
Historical Background
Internet connectivity in Ghana began with email systems in 1992, progressing to a 9.6kbps leased line in 1993 and a 128Kbps IP over Satellite connection in 1995, which coincided with the delegation of the .gh registry. Initially managed by Network Computer Systems (NCS), the registry has been an in-country operation since its inception. In 2008, Act 772 was enacted, defining the role of a Domain Name Registry. Subsequently, in January 2012, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the registry and the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) facilitated the transition of .gh operations to NITA, with NITA hosting the registry facilities and acting as a registrar for .gov domains at no fee. In May 2019, the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation initiated a renegotiation of a new MOU with the GDNR, leading to the current framework.
Constitutional Role and Mandate
The GDNR operates as a not-for-profit entity, focusing on the public interest and the development of the .gh namespace. Its functions include licensing and regulating registries and registrars, administering the .gh domain name space, and ensuring adherence to international best practices. The registry also publishes guidelines on domain name registration procedures and maintains a repository for public access.
Organizational Structure and Leadership
The GDNR is governed by a multi-stakeholder Board of Directors comprising representatives from various sectors, including public and private universities, law enforcement agencies, the Ghana Internet Service Providers Association (GISPA), and the scientific community. This diverse composition ensures comprehensive oversight and governance of the .gh domain space.
Mode of Appointment and Recruitment
Board members are nominated by their respective institutions and appointed to provide strategic direction to the GDNR. The registry accredits registrars who facilitate the registration, transfer, renewal, and modification of .gh domain names. These registrars may appoint resellers to expand their operations, thereby promoting a broader adoption of the .gh domain.
Collaborations and Partnerships
The GDNR collaborates with various government agencies, including the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, NITA, and the National Communications Authority. These partnerships aim to enhance the management and promotion of the .gh domain. Additionally, the registry engages with the Local Internet Community (LIC) to align its strategies with the needs of stakeholders.
Constitutional Reforms
The establishment of the GDNR under Act 772 marked a significant constitutional reform, providing a legal framework for the management of Ghana’s domain name space. This legislation empowered the registry to license and regulate entities within the domain ecosystem, ensuring structured and compliant operations.
Achievements
In September 2021, the GDNR inaugurated its first Governing Board, a milestone in strengthening the governance of Ghana’s domain name space. The registry has also been proactive in organizing meetings with the local internet community to solicit input on the re-delegation process and promote the adoption of .gh domain names among businesses and individuals.
References
- https://gna.org.gh/2021/09/ghana-domain-name-registry-gets-governing-board/
- https://nic.gh/notice.html
- https://gdnr.org.gh/purpose/
- https://moc.gov.gh/gdnr/
- https://gna.org.gh/2023/01/use-gh-domain-names-to-promote-local-internet-economy-gdnr-to-businesses/
- https://domainmagazine.com/ghanas-gh-domain-27-years-of-lost-opportunities-and-hope/
- https://gdnr.org.gh/ghana-domain-name-registry-gets-governing-board/
- https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2021/09/24/ghana-domain-name-registry-gets-governing-board/
- https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/ghana-domain-name-registry-establishment/58965306
- https://tech.africa/ghana-domain-name-system/