Ghana has called for stronger global protection for telecommunications infrastructure, urging the international community to recognize and safeguard telecom systems as critical infrastructure during conflicts, just as hospitals and schools are protected under international norms.
The call was made by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, during his address at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Conference in Geneva.
Addressing delegates, the Minister stressed the vital role telecommunications infrastructure plays in modern societies, noting that it supports essential services such as healthcare delivery, education and emergency response systems.
He cautioned that disruptions to telecom networks can trigger widespread consequences, undermining the operations of hospitals and schools while posing broader risks to societal stability.
Mr. Nartey George urged the ITU to adopt a strong and proactive global stance on the protection of telecommunications infrastructure, insisting the matter should be treated as a pressing international concern rather than one confined to specific regions or conflicts.
Referencing tensions in the Gulf region, he said the growing trend of telecommunications infrastructure becoming targets during conflicts demands a broader international framework for protection and response.
According to him, safeguarding telecom systems is critical to protecting civilian populations and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential services during crises.
He therefore called for telecommunications infrastructure to be formally incorporated into international protection protocols, placing it alongside other protected civilian assets such as hospitals and educational institutions.
Ghana also reaffirmed support for ongoing international efforts to address global security concerns, including those in the Gulf, while advocating a coordinated and decisive response to emerging threats against communications infrastructure.
The Minister emphasized the urgency of establishing a clear global position that recognizes telecommunications infrastructure as central to human security, national resilience and the continuity of critical services.
By: Christian Kpesese
