The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), has inaugurated the Governing Board of the Ghana Domain Name Registry (GDNR), charging them to reclaim full control over Ghana’s country code top-level domain (.gh) and to lead transformative reforms in its management.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony in Accra, the Minister emphasized the urgency of restoring national sovereignty over Ghana’s digital identity assets, expressing concern that the .gh domain has remained under private management for years.
“That is a national security risk. It is unacceptable for a sovereign digital identity asset to be operated privately,” He stated.
He disclosed that resolving the long-standing eight-year impasse over domain control was his first priority upon assuming office. Under his leadership, the Ministry has initiated the technical and financial processes required to transition the .gh domain from private operator Ghana.com to full government control, in partnership with the GDNR.
He called on the new Board to demonstrate strong leadership in safeguarding Ghana’s stake in Africa’s remaining IPv4 and IPv6 resources.
In outlining the commercial and strategic opportunities of the .gh domain, he tasked the Board to:
• Promote national digital identity by encouraging the use of .com.gh among businesses.
• Streamline and fully digitise the domain registration process.
• Propose legislative reforms mandating .gh registration as part of company incorporation or renewal.
• Enforce compliance across all public sector agencies.
• Explore revenue-generation models to sustain GDNR operations.
“This Board has the opportunity to leave a legacy. Let’s make .gh a symbol of national pride and digital sovereignty,” he charged.
The Minister further underscored the need for public confidence and international credibility in Ghana’s domain governance, highlighting that the 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
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
