Samuel Nartey George proposes global telecom resilience plan to ITU

Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has formally proposed a "Programme of Action on Resilience" to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to safeguard global telecommunications networks. Speaking at a high-level thematic discussion during the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP 26) in Doha, Qatar, the Minister called for a unified international framework to protect digital infrastructure against increasingly frequent disruptions. He emphasized that in the modern era, connectivity has transitioned from a convenience into a critical lifeline for both citizens and businesses.

The Minister’s proposal is built upon a four-point action plan designed to ensure that digital connectivity remains stable during crises. These priorities include coordinated infrastructure protection, the implementation of effective regulatory frameworks, the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, and enhanced cross-border cooperation. Mr. George specifically advocated for regulations that permit infrastructure sharing and expedite government approvals for repairs, particularly to improve reliability in rural and underserved areas that are often the hardest hit by outages.

Highlighting the practical application of these ideas, the Minister pointed to recent submarine cable failures that significantly impacted internet connectivity and business operations across the West African region. To mitigate such risks, he explained that Ghana is implementing a "Dig Once Policy" to streamline infrastructure maintenance and a National Emergency Telecommunications Plan to prioritize the restoration of critical services. He also noted the potential for artificial intelligence, digital twins, and satellite connectivity to enhance network performance and predictive maintenance.

Mr. George urged the ITU and its member states to treat the protection of digital infrastructure as a shared global responsibility rather than a domestic concern. By adopting a formal Programme of Action on Resilience, the Minister argued, the international community can better assess network performance during disruptions and foster a more robust global digital economy. He affirmed Ghana's commitment to these global standards, noting that coordinated regional efforts are essential to tackle the evolving threats to telecom infrastructure.