The National Communication Authority (NCA) has clinched two prestigious awards at the 8th Africa Digital Economy Awards (ADEA) in Kenya. Recognized as the “Africa Communications Regulator of the Year,” the NCA, led by Director General Mr. Joe Anokye, stood out for its outstanding performance in overseeing the Ghanaian communications sector. In addition to this accolade, Mr. Anokye secured a spot among Africa’s Top 50 Digital Economy Leaders.
The awards ceremony, held on November 10, 2023, at the Emara Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi, aimed to acknowledge and celebrate Africa’s digital champions, innovators, and groundbreaking inventions across various domains in the dynamic digital sector.
The “Africa Communications Regulator of the Year” award was bestowed upon the NCA after facing stiff competition from regulatory bodies across the continent. The NCA’s commendable policies and initiatives, such as the successful implementation of the SIM card re-registration exercise in Ghana to establish a secure SIM database, were highlighted. This effort not only instilled confidence and security but also played a vital role in curbing cybercriminal activities and promoting a sanitized digital space for all users.
During the year under review, the NCA facilitated the deployment of high-speed and low-latency mobile broadband services in Ghana. The organization also spearheaded the pilot of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) in Accra and Kumasi, making Ghana the pioneer in West Africa and the fourth in Africa to deploy DAB. This initiative is aimed at addressing frequency constraints and to enhance reception quality.
In a strategic move to address market imbalances and enhance consumer choice in the telecommunications sector, the NCA introduced technology neutrality for non-SMP operators. The agency actively participated in the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation Girls in ICT program, hosting 100 selected participants for mentorship as part of the 2023 National Girls-In-ICT Initiative.
Under the leadership of Mr. Joe Anokye, the NCA organized a high-level executive training program themed “Digital Economy Knowledge Sharing Programme for Board and Policymakers.” Participants included members of the Parliamentary Select Committees on Communications and Finance, as well as Boards of selected Agencies of the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation.
Mr. Anokye, who has helmed the NCA since 2017, received accolades for revitalizing the agency and earned a place among Africa’s Top Digital Economy Leaders for 2023. This award recognizes individuals who have played a pivotal role in transforming their respective sectors and organizations, setting a benchmark for excellence in digital economy leadership.
Expressing his gratitude after receiving the award, Mr. Anokye emphasized the NCA’s commitment to delivering on its mandate to the Ghanaian populace. “I am glad for this honour; it shows we are on the right path and calls for more responsibility not to relent in delivering our mandate to the good people of Ghana,” noted Mr. Anokye.
The 8th Africa Digital Economy Awards brought together leading tech companies, executives, innovators, and policymakers from Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Rwanda. The event, powered by the Digital Economy Magazine a publication of the ISO-certified InstinctWave Group, was hosted by The Ministry of Information, Communication, and The Digital Economy in Kenya under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary Hon. Eliud O. Owalo, creating a night of glamour and excitement in celebrating digital excellence.
