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LIVESTREAMING: Vetting of Mohammed Sukparu as Deputy Minister-designate of Communication

Parliamentary Vetting of Mohammed Sukparu as Deputy Minister-Designate for Communications: A Detailed Overview

In a significant session of Ghana's parliamentary proceedings, Mohammed Sukparu, the nominee for Deputy Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, faced the Appointments Committee for his vetting. The event, held at the Parliament House in Accra, was livestreamed to the public, allowing Ghanaians to witness the rigorous scrutiny of one of the key figures poised to shape the nation's digital and communication landscape. This vetting comes amid President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's recent ministerial reshuffle, aimed at bolstering the government's performance in critical sectors as the administration nears the end of its second term.

Mohammed Sukparu, a seasoned professional with a background in telecommunications and public policy, was nominated to support the substantive Minister in driving Ghana's digital agenda. His nomination has been met with a mix of anticipation and scrutiny, given the ministry's pivotal role in advancing broadband infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion initiatives. The vetting session, chaired by the Appointments Committee's leadership, including prominent MPs from both the majority New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the minority National Democratic Congress (NDC), delved into Sukparu's qualifications, vision, and readiness to tackle the challenges facing the communications sector.

The session commenced with Sukparu taking the oath of allegiance and secrecy, administered by the committee chair. He affirmed his commitment to uphold the Constitution and serve the people of Ghana without fear or favor. In his opening remarks, Sukparu expressed gratitude to the President for the nomination and outlined his professional journey. He highlighted his extensive experience in the telecommunications industry, where he has held various roles in project management and policy formulation. Sukparu emphasized his contributions to rural connectivity projects and his involvement in international forums on digital economy development. He stated that his goal, if approved, would be to accelerate Ghana's transition to a fully digital society, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the era of rapid technological advancement.

The questioning phase began with inquiries from the committee's majority members, focusing on policy alignment and strategic priorities. One of the first questions centered on the government's flagship Digital Ghana Agenda. Sukparu was asked how he intends to address the persistent digital divide between urban and rural areas. In response, he elaborated on the need for expanded infrastructure, such as the deployment of more fiber optic networks and affordable broadband services. He referenced ongoing projects like the National Broadband Infrastructure and the Rural Telephony Project, pledging to prioritize partnerships with private sector players to extend coverage to underserved communities. Sukparu stressed the importance of affordability, noting that high data costs remain a barrier for many Ghanaians. He proposed subsidies for low-income households and incentives for telecom operators to invest in remote areas.

Shifting to cybersecurity, a growing concern in Ghana's digital space, committee members probed Sukparu's knowledge of recent cyber threats and the ministry's preparedness. He acknowledged the rising incidents of cyberattacks on financial institutions and government databases, citing examples from the past year. Sukparu outlined his vision for strengthening the National Cyber Security Centre, including capacity building for personnel and the adoption of advanced technologies like AI-driven threat detection. He advocated for public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on online safety, emphasizing that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. When pressed on international collaborations, he mentioned ongoing partnerships with organizations like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and bilateral agreements with countries like the United States and Israel to enhance Ghana's cyber defenses.

The minority members of the committee brought a more critical lens to the proceedings, challenging Sukparu on accountability and past performance in the sector. One pointed question addressed the controversies surrounding the implementation of the Electronic Levy (E-Levy) and its impact on digital transactions. Sukparu defended the policy as a necessary revenue mobilization tool but admitted to implementation challenges, such as public resistance and technical glitches. He committed to reviewing the E-Levy framework to make it more user-friendly and transparent, potentially through stakeholder consultations to refine its application. This response drew follow-up queries on how the ministry plans to balance revenue generation with fostering digital innovation, to which Sukparu replied by highlighting tax incentives for startups in the fintech space.

Personal integrity and ethical considerations were not overlooked. Sukparu was grilled on potential conflicts of interest, given his prior roles in the private telecom sector. He assured the committee of his impartiality, disclosing all relevant affiliations and pledging to recuse himself from decisions involving former employers. Questions also touched on his views on media freedom, a hot-button issue in Ghana. Sukparu reaffirmed the government's commitment to press freedom, condemning any form of censorship and supporting the Right to Information Act. He proposed initiatives to train journalists in digital reporting tools, aiming to enhance media capacity in the digital age.

A substantial portion of the vetting focused on emerging technologies and their integration into Ghana's economy. Sukparu was asked about the role of 5G technology in national development. He enthusiastically endorsed its rollout, explaining how it could revolutionize sectors like agriculture through precision farming, healthcare via telemedicine, and education with remote learning platforms. However, he cautioned on the need for regulatory frameworks to address health concerns and spectrum allocation issues. On artificial intelligence (AI), Sukparu discussed the potential for AI to drive job creation while mitigating risks like unemployment from automation. He suggested establishing a national AI policy to guide ethical use and investment in skills training programs.

The session also explored Sukparu's strategies for youth empowerment in the communications sector. Recognizing Ghana's youthful population, he proposed expanding digital literacy programs in schools and vocational training centers. He referenced successful models like the Girls-in-ICT initiative and vowed to scale it up to include boys and underserved groups. When questioned on gender parity, Sukparu committed to promoting women in STEM fields within the ministry, aiming for at least 40% female representation in key projects.

Environmental sustainability emerged as a key theme, with queries on the ecological impact of telecom infrastructure. Sukparu addressed concerns about electronic waste and energy consumption, advocating for green technologies such as solar-powered base stations and recycling programs for outdated devices. He linked this to Ghana's broader climate goals, positioning the communications sector as a leader in sustainable development.

Throughout the vetting, Sukparu demonstrated composure and depth of knowledge, often drawing on data and examples to support his points. Committee members from both sides commended his preparedness, though some minority MPs expressed reservations about the pace of digital reforms under the current administration. The chair wrapped up the session by thanking Sukparu and announcing that the committee would deliberate on his nomination before submitting a report to the full House for approval.

This vetting underscores the importance of the Communications Ministry in Ghana's development trajectory. As the country grapples with global digital trends, Sukparu's potential appointment could mark a pivotal step toward realizing a connected and innovative Ghana. Public reactions on social media have been mixed, with some praising his vision and others calling for more concrete action plans. The livestreaming of such events enhances transparency, allowing citizens to engage directly with the governance process. If approved, Sukparu will join a team tasked with navigating the complexities of digital transformation in a post-pandemic world, where connectivity is not just a luxury but a necessity for economic growth and social equity.

In reflecting on the broader implications, Sukparu's responses highlighted the interconnectedness of communications with other sectors. For instance, he discussed synergies with the education ministry for e-learning platforms and with health for digital health records. He also touched on the role of communications in disaster management, proposing enhanced early warning systems via mobile alerts. Economic aspects were not ignored; Sukparu projected that effective digital policies could contribute significantly to GDP growth, citing studies from the World Bank on digital economies in Africa.

Critics, however, pointed out gaps in addressing data privacy laws, urging stronger enforcement of the Data Protection Act. Sukparu agreed, promising to prioritize amendments if needed. On international trade, he spoke of leveraging digital platforms for e-commerce to boost exports, aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Overall, the vetting painted a picture of a nominee well-versed in the sector's challenges and opportunities. As Ghana pushes toward middle-income status, the outcomes of such sessions will shape policy directions for years to come. The committee's decision, expected soon, will determine if Sukparu gets the nod to contribute to this vital ministry. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full Ghanaweb.com Article at:
[ https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/LIVESTREAMING-Vetting-of-Mohammed-Sukparu-as-Deputy-Minister-designate-of-Communication-1993320 ]