Govt to establish Digital Transmission Network Company

GNA – The government will soon set up a Central Digital Transmission Network Company, in accordance with the national roadmap, as the National Multiplex Operator to manage the transmission aspect of the broadcasting value chain.

Mrs Ursula Owusu Ekuful, the Minister of Communications, said the Company would ensure Service Level Agreement with all broadcasters to facilitate quality service to broadcasters and the viewing public.

She said to build confidence and protect the use of electronic communications for national development, the NCA would play a prominent role in the implementation of the National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy.

Mrs Owusu Ekuful was speaking at the induction of the nine-member Board of the NCA, which is under the Chairmanship of Mr Kwaku Sakyi-Addo, a distinguished journalist, on Thursday, in Accra.

Other members of the Board are Mr Joseph Anokye, the Acting Director-General of the NCA, Mr Kwabena Adu-Boahene, Mr Bernard Aidoo Forson and Mr Philip Asare Kwame Ayesu.

The rest are Mrs Susan-Barbara Adjorkor Boye Kumapley, Mr Paul Adom-Otchere and Mr David Gyewu.

The National Media Commission, is however, yet to nominate its representative to the Board.

Mr Justice Justin K. Dorgu, a High Court Judge, administered the Oath of Office and Secrecy to the new members.

In attendance were Mr Vincent Sowah Odotei, a Deputy Minister of Communications and Mr Issah Yahaya, the Chief Director.

Mrs Owusu Ekuful said the appointment to the Board of NCA was in accordance with article 70 of the Constitution, as provided for under Section 6 (3) of the NCA Act 2008, Act 769.

She said the NCA existed as the National Regulatory Authority for electronic communications and management of spectrum, in addition to other telecommunication related matters.

She entreated the Board to work with all stakeholders to ensure the harmonious implementation of the national communications policy for the continuing development of ICT infrastructure and services for public interest and in the spirit of public-private partnership collaboration.

She also urged them to use their expertise in private, business and public administration to help enrich the strategic initiatives in the sector to meet the challenges for creating a robust and secure information and knowledge society in Ghana.

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful said the NCA would continue its support to the implementation of the Child Online Protection Framework, Ghana Internet Registry and the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT); adding that a Cyber Security Advisor had been appointed in this regard.

She said Ghana would continue to respect its international ICT commitments, with the International Telecommunications Union being the world’s Telecommunications/ICT agenda setting body; and other stakeholders.

Mr Sakyi-Addo, on behalf of the Board, expressed gratitude to the President for the honour done them.

He said they would use their experiences and expertise to help transform the communications industry in Ghana.
GNA