The National Communications Authority (NCA) has convened Ghana’s Second and Final National Preparatory Meeting as part of the country’s build-up to the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27). The three-day meeting, which is expected to take place at the NCA Tower in Accra from 31st March to 2nd April, 2026, will provide a platform for stakeholders to review the preliminary positions adopted at the First National Preparatory Meeting held in April, 2025. It also consolidates Ghana’s positions ahead of the 3rd Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Telecommunication Union (ATU) Preparatory Meetings. In his welcome address, the Director General of the NCA, Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, underscored the importance of the engagement noting its national, regional, and global significance. He explained that the meeting formed part of the consultative processes required by law and highlighted the four-year planning cycle that characterised the World Radiocommunication Conference. He further indicated that as part of preparations for WRC-27, the Authority was placing increased emphasis on deepening industry participation and strengthening stakeholder input. Emphasising the importance of collaboration among all spectrum users, Rev. Ing. Fianko stated: ‘‘Your presence here today is a strong testament to the shared commitment of our stakeholders across the communications ecosystem to shape Ghana’s strategic voice in global spectrum governance. As we are all aware, the radio frequency spectrum is very important in today’s digital interconnected world. It underpins virtually every facet of our modern life from mobile communications [and] broadband connectivity to broadcasting, satellite services, aviation, maritime operation and scientific research.’’ He added that given the finite nature of the spectrum, its efficient, equitable, and interference-free use required coordinated global management, an objective achieved through the World Radiocommunication Conference convened under the auspices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Providing further context, the Deputy Director of the Engineering Division, Mrs. Naa Amorkor Asihene, delivered a comprehensive overview of the WRC-27 preparatory process, including the WRC cycle, the role of the ATU, and key agenda areas. She noted that the Conference played a critical role in ensuring the efficient use of spectrum resources while also promoting global harmonisation, economies of scale, and equipment interoperability. Mrs. Asihene emphasised that the outcomes of the meeting would significantly impact Ghana’s contributions at the final ECOWAS and ATU preparatory sessions. Encouraging active and meaningful participation, the Director-General reiterated the importance of stakeholder collaboration. ‘‘As we prepare as a country for WRC-27, it is important that we put together coherent positions on the various agenda items. Your deliberations over the coming days are of critical importance. They must be informed by both technical expertise and strategic foresight. Your insights will therefore play a pivotal role in refining Ghana’s positions across the various agenda items,’’ he stated. Participants at the meeting included industry players and representatives from key institutions such as the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the Ghana Maritime Authority, Next-Gen Infraco (NGIC) as well as academia. Key discussion areas over the three-day meetings include: Fixed-Satellite Services, Broadcasting-Satellite Services, Mobile and Radiolocation Services, Mobile-Satellite Services, Science Services, and Article 22 of the ITU Radio Regulations. Held every three (3) to four (4) years, the World Radiocommunication Conference is organised by the Radiocommunication Bureau of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-R). It serves as the principal global forum for reviewing and where necessary revising the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio frequency spectrum, as well as geostationary and non-geostationary satellite orbits.
