Samuel Nartey George lobbies for ITU Council seats in Doha

Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Samuel Nartey George, is leading a high-powered Ghanaian delegation to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 in Doha, Qatar. The primary objective of the mission is to secure Ghana’s election to the ITU Council and the Radio Regulations Board (RRB), key bodies that govern global telecommunications and digital infrastructure. The campaign aims to ensure Ghana plays a central role in shaping the future of international connectivity and digital governance.

On November 11, 2026, the Minister intensified Ghana’s diplomatic outreach by holding a series of high-level bilateral meetings with representatives from six nations: Canada, Qatar, Australia, Romania, Iraq, and Nepal. These discussions centered on presenting Ghana's credentials for the contested seats while identifying shared interests in digital technology and telecommunications governance. Ghana is seeking to leverage its growing reputation as a digital leader in West Africa to gain a more prominent voice at the global level.

The ITU Council acts as the union’s governing body between plenipotentiary conferences, while the Radio Regulations Board is responsible for interpreting and applying the rules that manage the international use of the radio-frequency spectrum. Securing these positions would provide Ghana with direct influence over crucial decisions regarding global connectivity standards and spectrum allocation. The delegation's efforts underscore Ghana's commitment to sustainable digital development and international cooperation.

The ongoing engagements in Doha are part of a broader strategy to enhance Ghana’s role in global digital connectivity decisions. By strengthening ties with both developed and emerging economies, the delegation aims to ensure that Ghanaian and African perspectives are integrated into international telecommunications policy. The results of the election will determine Ghana's influence in these international governance structures for the upcoming four-year cycle.