Excerpt
The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD) of Ghana plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s information and communications technology (ICT) landscape. This article delves into its historical background, constitutional mandate, organizational structure, leadership, recruitment processes, associated agencies, achievements, and recent developments.
Historical Background
Established under Section II of the Civil Service Law, 1993 (PNDCL 327), and subsequently amended by the Civil Service (Amendment) Act, 2001 (Act 600) and Executive Instrument (EI) 6, 2003, the Ministry was created to spearhead Ghana’s ICT initiatives. Its primary responsibility is to develop national policies aimed at achieving cost-effective information and communications infrastructure and services, thereby enhancing economic competitiveness.
Constitutional Mandate
The MoCD is tasked with facilitating the development of a reliable and cost-effective world-class communications infrastructure and services. Driven by technological innovations, these services are designed to be accessible to all citizens, promoting economic competitiveness in a knowledge-based environment.
Organizational Structure
The Ministry comprises several directorates, including:
- General Administration
- Human Resource Management
- Research, Statistics, Information Management (RSIM)
- Policy Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (PPBME)
- Information Technology (IT)
- Finance
Leadership and Ranks
The Ministry is headed by the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, supported by a Deputy Minister and a Chief Director. As of February 2025, Hon. Sam Nartey George serves as the Minister, with Mr. Alexander Yaw Arphul as the Chief Director.
Mode of Appointment and Recruitment
Appointments within the Ministry are governed by Ghana’s civil service regulations. The President appoints the Minister and Deputy Minister, while other positions are filled through competitive recruitment processes overseen by the Public Services Commission.
Associated Agencies
The MoCD oversees several agencies, including:
- Ghana Digital Centres Ltd.
- Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT
- Cybersecurity Authority
- Ghana Domain Name Registry
- Ghana Post Company Ltd.
- Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC)
- National Information Technology Agency (NITA)
- National Communications Authority (NCA)
- Data Protection Commission
- Ghana Meteorological Agency
Achievements
Since 2017, the Ministry has undertaken key initiatives to establish robust digital infrastructure across Ghana. Notably, the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project has extended mobile telephony services to underserved and unserved communities, bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive development.
Recent Developments
In November 2024, the Ministry launched Ghana’s Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, aiming to leverage digital technologies to foster economic growth, improve public services, and ensure equitable access to digital resources. The policy focuses on areas such as digital entrepreneurship, digital skills, digital government, universal access, and emerging technologies.
Reference
- https://moc.gov.gh/the-ministry/
- https://moc.gov.gh/about-us/
- https://moc.gov.gh/
- https://moc.gov.gh/agencies/
- https://www.classfmonline.com/news/technology/Communications-Ministry-makes-strides-in-Ghana-s-digital-transformational-agenda-49677
- https://moi.gov.gh/newsroom/2024/11/ghana-launches-digital-economy-policy-to-drive-national-transformation/
- https://moi.gov.gh/newsroom/2024/11/communications-minister-urges-inclusive-digital-growth-at-ghana-digital-economy-and-strategy-gdes-launch/
- https://moc.gov.gh/nita/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Communication_and_Technology_%28Ghana%29
- https://www.devex.com/organizations/ministry-of-communication-and-digitalisation-ghana-125448
- https://nca.org.gh/organisational-structure/
- https://www.weforum.org/organizations/ministry-of-communication-of-ghana/