Deputy Minister-designate for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, and Member of Parliament for Sissala West, Mohammed Adam Sukparu, has pledged to work closely with his minister, Mr Samuel Nartey George, to bridge Ghana’s persistent digital divide, particularly in underserved rural areas.
He pledged to leverage his energy, experience, and close working relationship with the sector minister to achieve critical targets, including the acceleration of the rural telephony programme and expansion of digital literacy nationwide.
Mr Sukparu gave the assurance when he appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament for vetting on Friday, July 25.
Addressing a question on the deployment of 5G, he indicated the Minister has assured by the end of the year, if the rollout has not commenced, the license could be revoked, adding, “When given the nod, I will get myself abreast with all the issues and assist my minister to implement the policies effectively.”
On the limited access to ICT tools in schools and poor internet connectivity in rural areas, the nominee reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the ongoing rural telephony programme.
“I am aware that about 2,016 sites are at various stages of implementation. When given the nod, I will support my minister to ensure the programme comes to fruition,” he said.
He also addressed the importance of partnerships in digital education, especially in equipping schools with ICT tools in collaboration with the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) and the Ministry of Education.
According to him, the current CEO of GIFEC is going around the country collecting data on schools without ICT materials, and when given the nod, he will join these efforts to make sure no school is left behind.
On the issue of cybersecurity and the growing menace of online impersonation of public officials, Mr Sukparu acknowledged the role of the Cyber Security Authority.
He indicated that MPs have been advised to submit their official social media accounts to the Authority for verification, assuring that when given the nod, he will support the effort to protect members’ digital identities.
Asked how he would address the telecom companies’ hesitance to invest in rural areas, the nominee emphasised GIFEC’s mandate and affirmed his commitment to driving the strategic rollout of infrastructure in rural communities.
Committee members also quizzed him on digital skills development.
In response, Mr Sukparu highlighted the ongoing policy to train one million Ghanaian youth in coding and digital literacy.
“I will assist my minister to ensure full implementation of this programme. It’s the only way we can truly prepare our youth for the digital economy,” he said.
Members of the Committee expressed confidence in the nominee’s capabilities, citing his previous work with Mr Sam George and shared vision.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan
