GISPA Conference charts new path for strengthening GIX and expanding Ghana’s digital infrastructure
Ghana’s internet service providers, policymakers and technology leaders have renewed their commitment to strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure, with particular focus on enhancing the capacity and reach of the Ghana Internet Exchange (GIX).
The pledge follows two days of discussions at the Ghana Internet Service Providers Association (GISPA) Conference 2025 held in Accra.
The conference, which ran from 25 to 26 November 2025 under the theme “Ghana’s Digital Future: Policy, Infrastructure, and the Strategic Role of GIX,” brought together key players within the internet ecosystem to examine the policy, regulatory and investment measures needed to support Ghana’s expanding digital economy.
Ghana’s internet landscape is experiencing rapid growth, with internet penetration surpassing 70 per cent in 2024 according to data from the National Communications Authority. The rise was driven by continued fibre deployments and wider broadband access. Data usage also increased by more than 30 per cent year on year, reflecting the central role digital services now play in commerce, public administration, education and entertainment. With demand rising quickly, the need for resilient and high-capacity infrastructure, including a more robust GIX, has become more urgent.
Opening the proceedings, GISPA President Michael Komla Kumah Nfordzo called for deeper collaboration within the industry to keep pace with national digital needs. He said the practical technical training delivered on the first day of the conference demonstrated the importance of sustained capacity building.
“Our industry must stay proactive, innovative, and aligned around common goals,” he said. “Ghana’s digital future depends on the strength, resilience, and innovation of the infrastructure we build today. As service providers, we understand that our work is not just about delivering connectivity; it’s about enabling national development, empowering businesses, and supporting the millions of Ghanaians who rely on the internet for work, education, health, and social participation.”
He added that GISPA is scaling up its engagement with government, particularly on interconnectivity challenges affecting public institutions, banking networks and critical state agencies. He said he was hopeful that ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Communications would lead to tangible improvements in national network resilience.
The NCA’s recent reform of its annual regulatory fee structure also generated considerable attention. The shift from a flat rate to a 0.5 per cent levy on net revenue for internet and public data service providers was welcomed by industry players, who viewed the policy as a fairer and more sustainable framework that aligns regulatory obligations with business realities.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, emphasised the critical role of the private sector in achieving Ghana’s digital transformation goals. He said, “Your discussions today directly influence Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.”
He added, “Government remains committed to expanding reliable broadband, improving quality and affordability, removing infrastructure bottlenecks, and strengthening digital public services.”
The Minister highlighted joint efforts between the Ministry and GISPA to expand connections to the GIX, improve redundancy for banking networks and public institutions, and advance Ghana’s ambition to become a regional digital hub. He noted that extending the GIX beyond Accra would reduce latency, lower transit costs and improve user experience nationwide. He also pointed to Ghana’s expanding fibre backbone as a strong foundation for cross-border traffic exchange, which could boost regional integration and create new commercial opportunities for service providers.
Panel discussions across the two-day event explored the future of Ghana’s internet infrastructure, the commercial value of greater participation in the GIX, and the potential of cross-border connectivity. Speakers also emphasised the importance of sharing infrastructure, strengthening redundancy and increasing local content hosting to keep more internet traffic within Ghana.
