By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Ghana has called for
stronger global cooperation to build resilient telecommunications networks and
urged the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to adopt a Programme of
Action on Resilience with clear responsibilities, timelines and measurable indicators
to assess network performance during disruptions.
The Minister for
Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George
(MP), made the call at a High-Level Thematic Discussion organised by the ITU on
the sidelines of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) in Doha, Qatar,
where he outlined four key priorities for strengthening network resilience.
The priorities include
coordinated infrastructure protection, effective regulation, responsible
adoption of emerging technologies and stronger cross-border cooperation.
The Minister stressed the
need for regulatory frameworks that promote infrastructure sharing, diverse
network routes, faster right-of-way approvals and timely repairs. He also
emphasised that network resilience must extend to rural communities, with restoration
made a measurable obligation for telecommunications operators.
On emerging technologies,
Samuel Nartey George highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence for
predictive maintenance and threat detection, digital twins for testing network
performance, satellite connectivity as backup and solar-powered systems to
sustain telecommunications sites during power outages.
He stressed that these
innovations must be supported by strong cybersecurity, data protection and
local technical skills to ensure the reliability and security of digital
infrastructure.
The Minister further called
for regional cooperation through shared risk information, coordinated cable
repair arrangements, faster clearance for repair vessels and increased
financing to help developing countries diversify their international connectivity
routes.
In his proposal to the ITU,
he urged the organisation to establish a Programme of Action on Resilience that
would provide a structured framework for strengthening telecommunications
networks, with clearly defined responsibilities, timelines and measurable
indicators.
Ghana, he affirmed, stands
ready to support the effort, emphasising that protecting digital infrastructure
is a shared responsibility among governments, regulators, operators and
international partners.
“In a digital world,
connectivity is not a convenience, it's a lifeline,” the Minister stated.
