Ghana has called for stronger international cooperation to improve the resilience of telecommunications networks, proposing a four-point action plan to help digital infrastructure withstand and recover from disruptions.
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, presented the proposals during a high-level thematic discussion organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on the sidelines of ITU PP 26 in Doha, Qatar.
The four priorities focus on coordinated infrastructure protection, effective regulation, responsible adoption of emerging technologies and stronger cross-border cooperation.
On infrastructure protection and regulation, George called for frameworks that promote infrastructure sharing, diverse network routes, faster right-of-way approvals and timely repairs. He also stressed the need to extend network resilience to rural communities, with telecommunications operators meeting measurable obligations for restoring services following disruptions.
The minister highlighted the potential of emerging technologies to improve network reliability. These include artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance and threat detection, digital twins for testing network performance, satellite connectivity as a backup option and solar-powered systems to keep telecommunications sites operational during power outages.
He noted, however, that adopting these technologies requires strong cybersecurity and data protection measures, alongside investment in local technical skills.
On international cooperation, George urged countries to share risk information, coordinate submarine cable repair arrangements, accelerate clearance procedures for repair vessels and increase financing to help developing countries diversify their international connectivity routes.
He also called on the ITU to adopt a Programme of Action on Resilience, setting out clear responsibilities, implementation timelines and measurable indicators to assess network performance during disruptions.
George reaffirmed Ghana’s willingness to support the initiative, emphasising that protecting digital infrastructure requires collective responsibility from governments, regulators, telecommunications operators and international partners.
“In a digital world, connectivity is not a convenience, it’s a lifeline,” the minister stated.
