By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
The Director
General of the Regional African Satellite Communications Organisation (RASCOM),
Timothy Nii Adi Ashong, has appealed for stronger political support from member
states, particularly Ghana, and called on President John Dramani Mahama to
support the organisation’s efforts to advance Africa’s satellite communications
agenda.
Speaking
during a live interview on Citi 97.3 FM’s morning show in Accra, Ashong said
sustained political backing from member states would be critical to
strengthening RASCOM and enabling the organisation to deliver on its
continental mandate.
“I called for
the political support of the member states, that is Ghana, and I called on the
President of the Republic of Ghana to also put his support behind our
organisation,” Ashong said during the programme.
The RASCOM
Director General also used the interview to explain the organisation’s mandate
and its relevance to Africa’s digital and space development. He outlined how
satellite communications can support connectivity, digital inclusion and the
delivery of essential services, particularly in areas where terrestrial
infrastructure remains limited.
Ashong
further discussed the organisation’s next strategic phase, describing the new
RASCOM phase as an opportunity to strengthen its contribution to Africa’s
satellite ecosystem and align its activities more closely with the continent’s
evolving connectivity and digital transformation needs.
He said
stronger cooperation among member states would be essential to advancing the
organisation’s objectives and ensuring that African countries derive greater
value from satellite technologies.
The Director
General’s appearance on Citi FM also provided an opportunity to raise public
awareness about RASCOM and the strategic role of satellite communications in
Africa’s development.
Ashong
stressed that political commitment, regional cooperation and strategic
investment would be important as RASCOM moves into its next phase and seeks to
strengthen Africa’s capacity to leverage space-based technologies for
connectivity and development.
