The first 80 days of Hon. Samuel Nartey George’s tenure as Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations have left Ghanaians asking a simple yet profound question: What exactly is he doing?
In a time when Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and telecommunications companies are hiking prices and offering substandard services, the silence from the minister’s office is deafening. Ghanaians are being milked daily, yet the man who once roared in Parliament is now seen dancing on platforms while failing to confront the critical issues of digital policy and consumer protection.
The situation on the ground is dire:
• Call drops and poor voice quality are still rampant in many parts of the country.
• Data bundles disappear mysteriously, with no proper accountability from the telcos.
• Internet speeds remain abysmally low, despite customers paying some of the highest rates in West Africa.
• Rural communities are still left out of digital connectivity, deepening the digital divide.
• No clear policy on 5G rollout, while other countries move ahead.
• Cybersecurity threats are rising with minimal public education or infrastructure investment to safeguard users.
Where is the urgency to fix these? Where is the regulatory action to hold ISPs and telcos accountable? The Ministry should be focused on:
• Strengthening the National Communications Authority (NCA) to enforce strict quality standards.
• Establishing a Digital Consumer Protection Charter that penalizes telcos for failing to meet service expectations.
• Pushing for transparent data usage tracking for all consumers.
• Expanding fiber optic infrastructure across all regions, not just the cities.
• Prioritizing affordable, fast, and reliable internet access as a human right in the digital age.
• Launching a nationwide digital inclusion and cybersecurity literacy campaign.
Samuel George, once a fiery voice in opposition—especially on sensitive issues like LGBTQ+ rights and digital regulation—now appears muted in action and cautious in language. Where is the passion? Where is the courage to hold institutions accountable as he once demanded of others?
Ironically, the same man who gained public admiration for taking a firm stance against LGBTQ+ issues in opposition has seemingly lost his voice on the matter in government. The rhetoric is gone, replaced by well-choreographed appearances and soundbites that do little to address the real digital transformation challenges facing our nation.
Ghanaians expected a bold, visionary leader in the digital space—not a dancing minister whose record so far is more events jigging than policy. It is time for Hon. Samuel George to remember his roots in public advocacy and match his past words with present action. The people deserve leadership, not just showmanship.
