Ghana rallies Commonwealth states for united front on global digital policies

Ghana has called on Commonwealth countries to present a united front at the ongoing International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 to strengthen their influence over global telecommunications and digital policy decisions.

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mr Samuel Nartey George, who is also Chair of the Commonwealth ITU Group, said stronger coordination among member states was necessary to advance shared interests, particularly those of developing countries and underserved populations.

He made the call at a high-level roundtable of Commonwealth member states in Doha, Qatar, where delegates discussed areas of common interest and strategies for coordinated engagement during the conference.

Mr George said that with approximately two billion people still without internet connectivity globally, the Commonwealth had an important role to play in shaping policies that promoted universal access, digital inclusion and equitable opportunities in emerging technologies.

He acknowledged the differing priorities of member states but said their shared interests provided a strong foundation for collective action.

He cited spectrum access and satellite connectivity as important priorities for small island states, while developing countries required greater investment and last-mile connectivity. More advanced economies, he said, also had interests in innovation and digital security.

The Minister urged delegates to identify common positions on key issues, coordinate their interventions during committee and plenary deliberations and establish a clear action plan to strengthen the group's influence throughout the conference.

Mr George said Ghana would present its case alongside other contestants, emphasising the importance of providing all candidates with a fair opportunity to engage member states and seek their support.

He called for greater solidarity, mutual support and harmonisation of positions among Commonwealth countries to advance a digital future that was inclusive, secure and resilient.

He said the Commonwealth's strength lay in its ability to unite countries of different sizes and levels of development to achieve outcomes that individual nations might struggle to secure independently.