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LIVESTREAMED: 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 ensure public transparency and engagement, allowing Ghanaians to witness the scrutiny of one of the key figures poised to shape the nation's digital and communication landscape. This vetting comes at a pivotal time when Ghana is pushing forward with its digital transformation agenda, including initiatives like the Digital Ghana Agenda, which aims to leverage technology for economic growth, improved governance, and enhanced public services.

Mohammed Sukparu, a seasoned professional with a background in information technology and public administration, was nominated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle aimed at bolstering the government's performance in critical sectors. Prior to this nomination, Sukparu has held various roles that have equipped him with expertise in digital infrastructure and policy formulation. His resume includes stints in both private and public sectors, where he contributed to projects involving broadband expansion, cybersecurity enhancements, and e-governance initiatives. During the vetting, Sukparu presented himself as a committed public servant ready to support the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation in driving the country's digital economy forward.

The session commenced with the Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Joseph Osei-Owusu, outlining the procedures and emphasizing the importance of the role in an era where communication technologies are central to national development. The committee, comprising members from both the majority New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the minority National Democratic Congress (NDC), posed a series of probing questions designed to assess Sukparu's competence, integrity, and vision for the ministry. The atmosphere was formal yet charged with anticipation, as MPs sought assurances on how the nominee would address pressing issues such as internet affordability, data privacy, and the digital divide between urban and rural areas.

One of the initial lines of questioning focused on Sukparu's understanding of the ministry's ongoing projects. He was asked about the National Broadband Infrastructure project, which aims to extend high-speed internet to underserved regions. Sukparu responded confidently, detailing his familiarity with the initiative and stressing the need for public-private partnerships to accelerate its implementation. He highlighted how such infrastructure could boost education through e-learning platforms and support agriculture via digital marketplaces for farmers. Drawing from his experience, he cited examples from other African nations like Kenya and Rwanda, where similar projects have yielded economic dividends, and pledged to adapt these models to Ghana's context.

A significant portion of the vetting delved into cybersecurity concerns, an area of growing importance given the rise in cyber threats globally. Committee member Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, from the minority side, grilled Sukparu on strategies to protect Ghana's digital assets, especially in light of recent data breaches in public institutions. Sukparu outlined a multi-pronged approach, including the establishment of a national cybersecurity center, capacity building for IT professionals, and collaboration with international bodies like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). He emphasized the role of legislation, referencing the Cybersecurity Act of 2020, and committed to ensuring its effective enforcement to safeguard citizens' data and prevent cybercrimes that could undermine economic stability.

Media freedom and the regulation of digital content emerged as hot-button topics. Questions from MPs like Kojo Oppong Nkrumah touched on balancing freedom of expression with the need to curb misinformation and hate speech on social media platforms. Sukparu acknowledged the delicate balance required, advocating for self-regulation by media houses while supporting government efforts to promote ethical journalism. He referenced the Electronic Communications Act and proposed awareness campaigns to educate the public on digital literacy, arguing that an informed citizenry is the best defense against fake news. His responses were measured, drawing applause from some quarters for their pragmatism, though minority members pressed for more concrete timelines on implementing these ideas.

The nominee's vision for digital inclusion was another focal point. With Ghana's rural-urban digital divide being a persistent challenge, Sukparu was queried on how he would ensure equitable access to technology. He proposed subsidizing internet costs for low-income households and expanding community digital centers in remote areas. He also spoke passionately about empowering women and youth through targeted programs, such as coding bootcamps and digital entrepreneurship training, aligning with the government's Sustainable Development Goals commitments. Sukparu shared anecdotes from his previous work, where he helped implement mobile money integration in rural banking, demonstrating tangible impacts on financial inclusion.

Personal integrity and potential conflicts of interest were not overlooked. The committee inquired about Sukparu's financial declarations and any affiliations that might influence his decisions. He affirmed his commitment to transparency, stating that he had fully disclosed his assets as required by law and vowed to recuse himself from any matters involving personal interests. This segment underscored the committee's role in upholding ethical standards, with Sukparu reiterating his dedication to public service over private gain.

Throughout the session, Sukparu displayed a calm demeanor, often referencing data and policy documents to substantiate his points. Interactions with committee members were respectful, though there were moments of spirited debate, particularly on funding allocations for digital projects amid economic constraints. For instance, when questioned about the ministry's budget priorities, Sukparu advocated for increased investment in 5G technology, arguing it would position Ghana as a regional tech hub and create jobs in the ICT sector. He estimated that such advancements could contribute significantly to GDP growth, citing projections from the World Bank.

The vetting also touched on international relations in the communications sphere. Sukparu was asked about Ghana's participation in global forums like the World Summit on the Information Society. He expressed enthusiasm for strengthening ties with partners such as the United States and China for technology transfers, while ensuring that foreign investments align with national interests. This global perspective highlighted the interconnectedness of Ghana's digital strategy with worldwide trends.

As the session progressed, public reactions via social media were noted, with many viewers praising Sukparu's preparedness, while others called for more emphasis on affordability of data bundles. The livestream format allowed for real-time engagement, fostering a sense of inclusivity in the democratic process.

In wrapping up, Chairman Osei-Owusu commended Sukparu for his articulate responses and comprehensive grasp of the issues. The committee is expected to deliberate on the nominee's performance and submit a report to the full House for approval. If confirmed, Sukparu will join the ministry at a time when Ghana is accelerating its digital agenda, including the rollout of the National ID system and e-health initiatives. His vetting underscores the government's commitment to competent leadership in driving technological advancement, which is crucial for Ghana's ambition to become a middle-income economy powered by innovation.

This parliamentary exercise not only vetted a nominee but also spotlighted the broader challenges and opportunities in Ghana's communications sector. From bridging the digital divide to enhancing cybersecurity, Sukparu's responses painted a picture of proactive governance. As the nation watches, the outcome of this vetting could influence the pace of digital transformation, impacting millions of Ghanaians in their daily lives, businesses, and interactions with government services. The session, lasting several hours, exemplified the rigorous checks and balances inherent in Ghana's democratic framework, ensuring that appointees are not only qualified but also aligned with the public's aspirations for progress. (Word count: 1,048)

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