Ghana Proposes Four-Point Action Plan to Strengthen Global Telecom Network Resilience

Ghana has called for stronger international cooperation to strengthen the resilience of telecommunications networks, proposing a four-point action plan to ensure digital infrastructure can withstand and recover from disruptions.

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, made the call during a high-level thematic discussion organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on the sidelines of ITU PP 26 in Doha, Qatar. He outlined four priorities for improving network resilience: coordinated infrastructure protection, effective regulation, responsible adoption of emerging technologies and stronger cross-border cooperation.

On infrastructure protection and regulation, the minister called for frameworks that encourage infrastructure sharing, diverse network routes, faster right-of-way approvals and timely repairs. He stressed that network resilience should also extend to rural communities, with operators required to meet measurable obligations for restoring services following disruptions.

George also highlighted the role of emerging technologies in strengthening network reliability, including 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.

However, he noted that the adoption of these technologies must be supported by robust cybersecurity and data protection measures, alongside investments in local technical skills.

On international cooperation, the minister called for 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.

As part of the proposals, George urged the ITU to adopt a Programme of Action on Resilience, with clearly defined responsibilities, implementation timelines and measurable indicators for assessing network performance during disruptions.

He 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.