Ghana advocates four-point action plan for resilient digital networks

Ghana has called for stronger international cooperation to build resilient telecommunications networks, urging countries to ensure that digital infrastructure can withstand disruptions and recover quickly when failures occur.

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, made the call at a high-level thematic discussion organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on the sidelines of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26) in Doha, Qatar.

He outlined four key priorities for strengthening network resilience: 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 emphasised that network resilience must extend beyond major urban centres to rural communities, adding that service restoration should be a measurable obligation for telecommunications operators.

According to him, stronger regulatory measures are necessary to reduce infrastructure vulnerabilities, improve maintenance and ensure that connectivity remains available during disruptions.

On emerging technologies, Samuel Nartey George highlighted the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive maintenance and threat detection.

He also identified digital twins as tools for testing network performance and simulating potential disruptions before they occur.

Other technologies he highlighted included satellite connectivity as a backup for terrestrial networks and solar-powered systems to keep telecommunications sites operational during power outages.

However, he stressed that the adoption of these innovations must be supported by strong cybersecurity measures, data protection safeguards and investment in local technical skills.

The Minister also called for greater regional and international cooperation to protect critical telecommunications infrastructure.

His proposals included sharing information on infrastructure risks, coordinating cable repair arrangements, speeding up clearance procedures for repair vessels and increasing financing to help developing countries diversify their international connectivity routes.

He said cooperation among countries was necessary to reduce the impact of disruptions that could affect communications and digital services across national borders.

In a key proposal, the Minister 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.

The proposed framework would provide a basis for monitoring progress and strengthening accountability among countries and telecommunications stakeholders.

Ghana, he affirmed, stands ready to support the initiative, stressing that protecting digital infrastructure is a shared responsibility involving governments, regulators, operators and international partners.

“In a digital world, connectivity is not a convenience, it’s a lifeline,” the Minister stated.