Doha, Nov. 13, GNA – Ghana has called for coordinated global action and increased investment to strengthen telecommunications networks against disruptions and safeguard critical digital services.
It has also advocated stronger infrastructure protection, network diversity and faster restoration systems to minimise service interruptions during emergencies.
Mr Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, made the call at a high-level thematic discussion organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on the sidelines of its Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26) in Doha, Qatar.
He cited the simultaneous submarine cable disruptions off the West African coast in March 2024, which affected internet services, businesses and connectivity across the region despite the presence of multiple submarine cable systems landing in Ghana.
“Redundancy on paper is not resilience in practice,” he said, stressing the need for deliberate measures to strengthen network resilience across Africa.
Mr George said Ghana’s response included a proposed Dig Once Policy, currently before Cabinet, to improve coordination among telecommunications operators, road contractors, utility providers and local authorities.
The policy seeks to promote shared infrastructure mapping and joint excavation works to minimise fibre-optic cable cuts.
He said the Government was also developing a National Emergency Telecommunications Plan to establish clear response arrangements, prioritise the restoration of critical services, including hospitals, banks and emergency services, and provide satellite backup where necessary.
The Minister called for regulations to promote genuine network diversity, infrastructure sharing and faster repairs.
He also identified artificial intelligence, digital twins, satellite connectivity and renewable energy technologies as tools that could improve network reliability.
Mr George urged countries to strengthen cross-border cooperation through the sharing of risk information, regional repair arrangements and increased financing to diversify international connectivity routes.
He proposed that the ITU adopt a Programme of Action on Resilience with clear responsibilities, timelines and measurable indicators to assess the capacity of telecommunications networks to withstand disruptions and recover from them.
“In a digital world, connectivity is not a convenience, it’s a lifeline,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey