The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), has officially inaugurated the new Governing Board of the Ghana Domain Name Registry (GDNR), issuing a bold call to action: reclaim full national control of the country’s digital identity — the .gh domain.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held in Accra, the Minister underscored the critical importance of digital sovereignty, expressing grave concern that Ghana’s country code top-level domain (.gh) has remained under private management for nearly a decade.
“That is a national security risk. It is unacceptable for a sovereign digital identity asset to be operated privately,” he asserted.
Hon. George revealed that resolving the prolonged eight-year dispute over the management of the .gh domain was his top priority upon assuming office.
Under his leadership, the Ministry has launched both technical and financial processes to transition administrative control from the private operator, Ghana.com, back into the hands of the government — in close collaboration with the GDNR.
In addition to asserting sovereignty, the Minister challenged the new Board to play a strategic role in protecting Ghana’s remaining IPv4 and IPv6 digital address resources, which are fast depleting across Africa.
Outlining his broader vision for the .gh domain, Hon. George tasked the Board with leading comprehensive reforms to maximize both its commercial and strategic value. Key directives included:
Promoting national digital identity by encouraging Ghanaian businesses to adopt .com.gh domains.
Digitising and simplifying the domain registration process to make it efficient and transparent.
Proposing legislative reforms to mandate .gh domain registration as part of company incorporation or renewal.
Ensuring full compliance by public sector agencies to adopt .gh domains.
Developing sustainable revenue models to support GDNR operations and infrastructure.
“This Board has the opportunity to leave a legacy,” the Minister said. “Let’s make .gh a symbol of national pride and digital sovereignty.”
He emphasized the need to build public trust and international confidence in Ghana’s domain governance, insisting that all reforms must be transparent, inclusive, and technically sound.
Newly Inaugurated GDNR Board Members:
1. Estelle Akofio Sowah – Chairperson
2. Wisdom Donkor – Member
3. Solomon Tetteh Mensah – Member
4. Christabel Aretha Mfoama – Member
5. Prof. Ayikwei Addo – Member
6. Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye – Member
7. Prof. Amos Kabo Bah – Member
8. Dr. Paul A. Danquah – Member
9. Eric Ogum Akumiah – Member
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
Contact:
📞 +233 541 921 562
✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
