Ghana has called for the global protection of telecommunications infrastructure, urging that it be recognized and safeguarded as critical infrastructure during periods of conflict, similar to hospitals and educational institutions.
The appeal was made by Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Honorable Samuel Nartey George, during his address at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Conference in Geneva,
In his submission, the Minister underscored the indispensable role telecommunications infrastructure plays in modern society, noting that it underpins essential services including healthcare delivery, education, and emergency response systems.
He warned that any disruption to telecom networks has a cascading effect, significantly impairing the functioning of hospitals and schools, and threatening overall societal stability.
Honorable Nartey George urged the ITU to adopt a firm and proactive global position on the protection of telecommunications infrastructure, stressing that the issue must be addressed beyond immediate regional conflicts.
While referencing current tensions in the Gulf region, he emphasized the need for a broader international framework to respond to the increasing trend of telecom infrastructure being targeted during conflicts.
According to the Minister, safeguarding telecommunications systems is essential to protecting civilian populations and ensuring continuity of critical services in times of crisis.
He called for telecom infrastructure to be formally recognized within international protection protocols, aligning it with other protected assets such as hospitals and educational facilities.
Ghana reaffirmed its support for ongoing efforts to address current global security concerns, including those in the Gulf, while advocating for a coordinated and decisive international response to emerging threats against telecommunications systems.
The Minister concluded by stressing the urgency of establishing a clear global position that recognizes telecommunications infrastructure as indispensable to human security and national resilience.
