The Internet Society (ISOC) Ghana Chapter has called for stronger policy and regulatory reforms to support the development of community networks. This initiative aims to expand internet access in underserved and rural Ghana, addressing a significant digital divide.
This appeal was made at the opening of the two-day Ghana Community Networks Policy Dialogue and Workshop in Accra. Regulators, internet service providers, development partners, and digital inclusion advocates gathered to explore practical approaches. Their goal is to improve nationwide connectivity, especially in areas currently lacking reliable internet services.
This effort fits into Ghana's broader economic and political story of digital transformation. While Ghana has made significant progress in digitalisation, many rural communities still face substantial challenges. These include inadequate infrastructure, high internet costs, unreliable electricity, limited digital skills, and insufficient investment. Bridging this gap is crucial for inclusive economic growth and social development.
Dr. Maud Ashong Elliot, President of the Internet Society Ghana Chapter, stated that community networks are locally built and managed communications infrastructure. She described them as a viable means of delivering affordable and resilient internet services to unconnected areas. Dr. Elliot stressed that the success of these networks depends on an enabling policy environment, sustainable financing, infrastructure sharing, appropriate technologies, and strengthened local capacity.
Jean Baptiste Millogo, Director of Internet Technology and Development at the Internet Society, noted that nearly 2 billion people worldwide still lack internet access. Many of these individuals live in rural and marginalised communities. He explained that meaningful connectivity requires supportive policies, flexible licensing frameworks, and sustainable financing to promote community-led internet initiatives. The Ghana dialogue serves as a key platform for advancing digital inclusion.
During a panel discussion, stakeholders examined reforms needed to support community-owned internet infrastructure. Josephine Miliza, Global Policy and Regulatory Lead for the Local Networks (LocNet) Initiative at the Association for Progressive Communications, highlighted progress in countries like Kenya, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and South Africa in developing enabling regulatory frameworks for community networks. She identified restrictive licensing regimes, high spectrum costs, equipment taxes, and bureaucratic procedures as major barriers to community-led connectivity initiatives across Africa. Miliza urged Ghana to adopt flexible licensing arrangements, affordable spectrum access, and greater use of universal service funds.
Nana Akosua Acheampong of the Regulatory Administration Division, representing the National Communications Authority, indicated that Ghana's existing Hotspot Authorisation could serve as a foundation. This authorisation allows operators to provide internet services within limited geographical areas at relatively low licensing costs. It could be adapted into a dedicated community network framework.
Kwadwo Offei-Dzan, President of the Ghana Internet Service Providers Association, reaffirmed his association's commitment. They will work with the National Communications Authority and other stakeholders to support smaller internet service providers. This collaboration aims to expand connectivity to underserved communities. Isaac Darko-Mensah, Country Director of Empower Playgrounds Ghana, also highlighted the need to integrate sustainable energy solutions with digital connectivity. He noted that reliable electricity remains essential for community network infrastructure.
The workshop continues with further discussions on governance, sustainability, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and local capacity development for community networks in Ghana. These discussions are expected to produce practical policy recommendations and implementation priorities. Stronger collaboration among regulators, government agencies, technical organisations, civil society, and local communities is a key outcome. The focus on community networks represents a strategic move to ensure that Ghana's digitalisation agenda benefits all its citizens, fostering economic participation and social equity in rural areas.