Ghana has advocated for the global safeguarding of telecommunications infrastructure, emphasizing its recognition and protection as critical infrastructure during conflicts, akin to hospitals and educational institutions.
This appeal was articulated by Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Honorable Samuel Nartey George, during his speech at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Conference in Geneva.
In his remarks, the Minister highlighted the vital role that telecommunications infrastructure plays in contemporary society, pointing out that it supports essential services such as healthcare delivery, education, and emergency response systems.
He cautioned that any disruption to telecom networks can have a ripple effect, severely hindering the operations of hospitals and schools, and jeopardizing overall societal stability.
Honorable Nartey George urged the ITU to adopt a strong and proactive global stance on the protection of telecommunications infrastructure, emphasizing that this issue must be addressed beyond immediate regional conflicts.
While referencing the current tensions in the Gulf region, he stressed the necessity for a broader international framework to address the growing trend of telecom infrastructure being targeted during conflicts.
According to the Minister, protecting telecommunications systems is crucial for safeguarding civilian populations and ensuring the continuity of critical services during crises.
He called for the formal recognition of telecom infrastructure within international protection protocols, aligning it with other protected assets such as hospitals and educational facilities.
Ghana reiterated its commitment to supporting ongoing efforts to tackle current global security challenges, including those in the Gulf, while advocating for a coordinated and decisive international response to emerging threats against telecommunications systems.
The Minister concluded by emphasizing the critical need to establish a definitive global stance that acknowledges telecommunications infrastructure as essential for human security and national resilience.
