This high-level working visit marked a significant milestone in fostering deeper collaboration between Parliament and the Registry, providing an invaluable platform to enhance the Committee’s understanding of GDNR’s statutory mandate, operational framework, and strategic vision for driving Ghana’s digital transformation and internet governance agenda.

Acting Executive Director, Mr. Wisdom Donkor, together with the GDNR management and technical team, delivered comprehensive presentations and in-depth briefings on the Registry’s ongoing reform initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. He underscored the remarkable progress achieved through the DNS cybersecurity training program and the continuous monitoring and analysis of the country’s DNS infrastructure, key initiatives designed to enhance cyber resilience, promote digital trust, and strengthen the capacity of government institutions, academia, civil society, and private sector stakeholders within Ghana’s broader digital ecosystem.

The Committee’s commendation, constructive feedback, and assurance of steadfast support were profoundly appreciated as GDNR continues its mission to fortify the nation’s digital infrastructure, ensure a secure and resilient domain name system, and promote local internet development. GDNR looks forward to deepened collaboration with Parliament and other stakeholders in safeguarding Ghana’s digital sovereignty and advancing a robust, inclusive, and secure internet ecosystem for national growth and innovation.

The board’s core mission is to spearhead the enhancement of the management and governance of Ghana’s country code top-level domain, .gh. This initiative aims to ensure the domain is robust, transparent, and fully aligned with national objectives. Furthermore, the board is tasked with a comprehensive agenda to strengthen Ghana’s overall digital infrastructure.

This appointment represents a pivotal step in optimizing Ghana’s digital assets and cultivating an environment built on public trust and international credibility. The GDNR anticipates a period of innovative leadership and expert contributions from this esteemed board as they embark on this crucial mission.

Introducing the New GDNR Governing Board

The newly appointed members bring a wealth of experience and expertise to guide the GDNR:

• Estelle Akorfio Sowah – Chairperson
• Wisdom Kwasi Donkor – Executive Director
• Dr. Paul Asante Danquah – Member
• Eric Ogum Akumiah – Member
• Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye – Member
• Prof. Albert Ayikwei Addo-Quaye, Ph.D – Member
• Solomon Tetteh Mensah – Member
• Prof. Amos tiereyangn Kabo-Bah – Member
• Christabel Aretha Addo-Mfoama – Member

Held at the MoCDTI Conference Room, this vital capacity-building program aimed to enhance cybersecurity awareness and strengthen the digital defenses of the Ministry and its affiliated agencies amidst increasing cyber threats and credential leaks.

Day 1 focused on “DNS Cybersecurity Fundamentals” and “Interactive Case Studies / Threat Awareness” for non-technical general staff, including representatives from the Minister’s secretariat. Participants gained crucial insights into the basics of DNS and common cyber threats.

Day 2 shifted to more technical aspects for IT/Admin staff, covering “Implementing Security Measures,” “Responding to Cybersecurity Incidents,” and hands-on exercises. The sessions were highly practical, taking the audience through real-world DNS attacks and demonstrating effective mitigation strategies.

A huge thank you to our expert speakers and facilitators, including Mr. Wisdom Donkor (Executive Director, GDNR) , Mr. Alfred Nortey (Director, General Admin. MoCDTI) , Dr. Samuel Antwi-Gyekye (Director, Digital Technologies, MoCDTI) , Francis Acquah Amaning (GDNR) , and our dynamic facilitators Gervin Appiah and Ryan Michael Mensah. We also appreciate Tomslin Samme-Nlar from ICANN GNSO for providing a global perspective on DNS & Cybersecurity!

This initiative underscores the Ministry’s strategic commitment to securing public data and digital systems. We believe that by enhancing the cybersecurity posture of our government institutions, we are building a more resilient digital Ghana.

The day’s proceedings commenced with a powerful Opening Ceremony that set an inspiring tone for the entire forum. We were deeply honored by the Welcome Address and Opening Remarks delivered by Hon. Akanvariba Lydia Lamisi, Minister of State in Charge of Public Sector Reforms and Chair of Ghana IGF. The forum was graced by the invaluable insights of esteemed guest speakers, including Anja Gengo from the IGF Secretariat Geneva, Amrita Choudhury, Chair of IGFSA, Lily Edinam Botsyoe, Ghana Youth Coordinator, Awo Aidam Amenyah, Executive Director of Child Online Africa, and the revered Prof. Nii Narku Quaynor, often hailed as the Father of the Internet in Africa. Their contributions, alongside those of Dr. Mactar Seck from UNECA, and distinguished Special Guest of Honour like Mr. Kyrre Holm, Deputy Head of Mission, Norwegian Embassy underscored the paramount importance of collective action in fostering a truly inclusive digital future.

A pivotal Plenary Session addressed the pressing issue of “Addressing disinformation and misinformation while upholding human rights in Ghana.” Expertly moderated by Shamima Muslim, Deputy Government Spokesperson, the panel engaged in vital dialogue, with contributions from Bridget Andere (Access Now), Benedict Sagoe (Ghana Domain Name Registry), Vivian Affoah (Media Foundation for West Africa), , and Gervin Emmanuel Appiah (DoubleOSEC). This discussion highlighted the complex challenge of balancing information flow with the protection of fundamental human rights in the digital age.

The forum’s commitment to national development was further demonstrated in the High-Level Panel on “Driving Digital Inclusion and Transformation in Ghana.” This session brought together key architects of the nation’s digital strategy, moderated by Ms. Naa Dede Tettey from Gh ONE TV. Following a valuable presentation by Silas Peprah of PAIX Data Centres, the panel featured influential voices such as Dr. Sofo Tanko Rashid-Computer (GIFEC Administrator), Sarah Kekeli Akunor (Digital Inclusion Advocate), Josephine Miliza (APC), and Dr. Mark-Oliver Kevor (Director General, NITA). Their insights provided a roadmap for accelerating digital access and fostering innovation across all sectors.

Building trust in the digital realm was a core focus of Panel Discussion Three, dedicated to “Cybersecurity and Data Protection in Ghana.” Moderated by Prof. Kester Quist-Aphetse, the session opened with a powerful personal testimony from Ethel Margaret Enyonam Sebuabe, a Professional Nurse and cyber fraud victim, who bravely shared her harrowing experience. This poignant account underscored the real human impact of cyber threats, setting the stage for expert discussions by Isaac Socrates (Cyber Security Authority), Enock Wilson Essuman (Data Protection Commission), Gervin Emmanuel Appiah (DoubleOsec), and Maame Sarpong ESQ (G.A. Sarpoong & Co). The panel provided crucial insights into securing Ghana’s digital space and protecting its citizens’ data.

Addressing the needs of Ghana’s expanding online population, the “Online Trust & Safety: Ensuring a secure experience for newly connected people” panel explored proactive strategies. Moderated by Gifty Asamoah, Co-Founder of the Women’s Committee (Internet Society Ghana Chapter), the discussion featured Confidence Mawusi (Child Online Protection), Joshua Opoku Agyemang (IoT Network Hub), Michael Coffie (Ghana Communication Technology University), and Alexander Mawusi Snr (University of Education, Winneba). Their collective expertise highlighted the importance of digital literacy and robust safety mechanisms for new internet users.

A cornerstone of Ghana IGF 2025 was its unwavering commitment to youth engagement. The Ghana Youth Internet Governance Forum (Ghana Youth IGF), a vibrant and dedicated track, empowered young minds to actively shape Ghana’s digital future. The Youth IGF kicked off with an insightful presentation by Ida Na-Tei, Founder of CTN Technologies, titled “Behind the Screen: Internet Governance and You.” This was followed by a dynamic panel, “Shaping Tomorrow Today: A Digital-Forward Vision for Youth in Ghana,” moderated by Sarah Naa Ayee Odeo Adey, featuring contributions from Ato Ulzen-Appiah, Sylvian Kimkpe, Huzaifa Abdulai, and Dr. Angela Tabiri, PhD. Interactive study groups delved deeper into critical areas such as IG Mentoring, Digital Rights and AI Policy, Bridging Access and Inclusion, and Youth Innovation, culminating in valuable recommendations that were integrated into the forum’s overall communique.

Equally inspiring was the Ghana Children Internet Governance Forum (Children IGF), a forward-looking session designed to bring the voices of our children into crucial discussions around the internet’s future. Expertly facilitated by Child Online Africa, this vital track underscored the forum’s dedication to creating a safe, beneficial, and inclusive online environment for Ghana’s youngest internet users. The children were especially delighted to be joined by Hon. Akanvariba Lydia Lamisi and Prof. Nii Narku Quaynor, who took the time to motivate and speak directly to the young participants, emphasizing the importance of their early engagement in shaping the digital landscape.

Ghana IGF 2025 stands as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to leveraging the internet for national development, ensuring that its benefits are accessible, safe, and inclusive for every citizen. The insights gained and connections forged during this forum will undoubtedly contribute significantly to “Building an Inclusive Digital Future Together.”

The launch event was graced by the presence of key stakeholders, including Mr. Wisdom Donkor, the Executive Director of the Ghana Domain Name Registry (GDNR). The GDNR proudly supports this transformative program, recognizing its vital role in national development.

This initiative signifies a significant step towards building a digitally skilled workforce in Ghana, fostering innovation and creating opportunities in the burgeoning digital economy.

During the meeting, Mr. Donkor emphasized his commitment to collaboration and innovation, sharing insights into the ongoing reforms within the GDNR. He expressed his eagerness to draw from the wealth of experience held by Professor Quaynor, a pioneer in Ghana’s tech landscape. Professor Nii Quaynor advised the GDNR team to focus on community-led involvement, highlighting that the .gh registry is a shared national asset requiring transparent and inclusive management.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in ensuring that the .gh registry continues to serve the interests of the Ghanaian community while advancing the nation’s digital identity.

The programme will delve into the fascinating world of the Domain Name System (DNS), the foundation of the Internet. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of:

DNS Fundamentals: Demystify the components of DNS, explore the domain hierarchy, and discover the types of information stored within this critical system.

DNS Query & Response: Learn how a DNS query travels and retrieves information, along with the role of zone files in this process.

DNS Security (DNSSEC): Uncover the importance of safeguarding the DNS from cyberattacks and explore how DNSSEC helps ensure a secure online experience.

Hands-On DNS Configuration:
Practical sessions will provide participants with firsthand experience setting up and managing a DNS server.

This program extends far beyond theoretical knowledge. Here’s what students can expect to gain:

Skill Development: Participants will walk away with practical skills to effectively implement, troubleshoot, and manage DNS – a valuable asset for any tech-savvy professional.

Local DNS Awareness: Dive into the advantages and practicalities of utilizing local DNS services, including the .GH domain and hosting options.

Career Readiness: Gain a competitive edge by acquiring relevant, hands-on experience that will prepare you for a future career in the dynamic field of DNS and related technologies.

Academic Enrichment: Bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, enriching your overall educational experience.

Participating Schools

1. BlueCrest University College – Monday, April 29th, 2024
2. University of Professional Studies, Accra – Tuesday April 30th, 2024
3. Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU)- Thursday, May 9th, 2024

Focus on Multistakeholder Management and LIC Engagement

The agenda centered on progress towards a multistakeholder management model for the .GH domain name. A demonstration of the Policy Input Portal was provided, offering attendees a glimpse into the participatory process. Additionally, the GDNR announced an upcoming call for registrars, ensuring a competitive landscape for .GH domain registration.

Attendance and Representation

While the GDNR anticipated 45 attendees, a total of 31 individuals participated, with 26 attending physically and 5 joining virtually via Zoom. This representation reflects the commitment of various stakeholders within the Ghanaian internet community.

Action Points for Continued Collaboration

Key action points emerged from the discussions, including:

1. Broadening the LIC’s membership by inviting media outlets and private organizations.
2. Establishing a formal leadership and governance structure for the LIC.

The meeting concluded with recommendations for the GDNR. Participants encouraged the GDNR to:

1. Organize regular meetings to keep the LIC informed about the delegation process and GDNR activities.
2. Follow up with organizations that consistently miss LIC meetings.

Positive Outcomes and Looking Forward

The meeting served as a successful platform for PoCs to share their perspectives and experiences with the .GH domain name administration. The GDNR’s commitment to open communication and collaboration bodes well for the future of the .GH domain name.