Ghana Proposes Four-Point Plan for Resilient Telecom Networks at ITU

Ghana has urged countries to work more closely together so that telecommunications networks can withstand and bounce back from disruptions, setting out a four-point plan at an International Telecommunication Union (ITU) meeting in Qatar.

Samuel Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, presented the proposals at a High Level Thematic Discussion organised by the ITU on the sidelines of ITU PP 26 in Doha, as first reported by Citi News.

The four priorities he outlined were coordinated protection of infrastructure, effective regulation, responsible use of emerging technologies and closer cooperation across borders.

On regulation, the Minister called for frameworks that encourage operators to share infrastructure, build diverse network routes, secure right-of-way approvals more quickly and carry out repairs without delay. He said resilience should not stop at urban centres but must reach rural communities, and argued that restoring service should be a measurable obligation placed on operators.

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Turning to new technologies, Mr George pointed to artificial intelligence as a tool for predictive maintenance and detecting threats. He also mentioned digital twins for testing how networks perform, satellite links as a backup option and solar-powered systems to keep telecommunications sites running when the power goes off.

He cautioned, however, that such innovations need to be backed by robust cybersecurity, data protection and locally developed technical skills.

On regional cooperation, the Minister proposed that countries share information on risks, coordinate arrangements for repairing cables and speed up clearance for repair vessels. He further called for more financing to help developing countries broaden their international connectivity routes.

In his central proposal, Mr George asked the ITU to adopt a Programme of Action on Resilience. According to the Minister, such a programme should set out clear responsibilities and timelines, along with measurable indicators for judging how networks hold up during disruptions.

He said Ghana was prepared to support the initiative, describing the protection of digital infrastructure as a responsibility shared by governments, regulators, operators and international partners.

"In a digital world, connectivity is not a convenience, it’s a lifeline," the Minister said.