Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has called on the global community to prioritize the protection of telecommunications infrastructure during conflicts.
Speaking at the ongoing International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, the Minister stressed that telecom systems must be treated as critical infrastructure, just like hospitals and educational institutions.
Samuel Nartey George noted that telecommunications infrastructure remains central to the delivery of key services, including healthcare, education, and emergency response.
According to him, any disruption to these systems has immediate and far-reaching consequences, particularly for hospitals and schools that rely heavily on stable connectivity.
He warned that attacks on telecom infrastructure could significantly undermine national stability and public safety.
The Minister further urged the ITU to take a clear and decisive global stance on the issue, pointing out that the growing trend of targeting telecom infrastructure in conflict zones is a matter of urgent international concern.
While referencing ongoing tensions in the Gulf region, he emphasized that the challenge is not isolated and requires a comprehensive global response.
Samuel Nartey George advocated for telecommunications infrastructure to be formally recognized under international protection frameworks, similar to hospitals and schools.
He explained that such recognition would help safeguard critical services and protect civilian populations during times of crisis.
Ghana, he said, supports ongoing international efforts to address current conflicts, but insists that more coordinated action is needed to prevent the increasing targeting of digital infrastructure worldwide.
He concluded by calling for urgent steps to secure telecommunications systems, describing them as indispensable to modern life and national resilience.
“We know that there are international standards and protocols when it comes to things like hospitals and schools. It is important that the ITU uses this as a flagship to make a statement globally on how we see telecommunication infrastructure.
“Because if telecom infrastructure is affected, it affects the delivery of hospitals and even schools. And so Ghana supports this motion and says that we must take a stand that goes beyond the current issues in the Gulf, but globally, that the ITU must take a position on telecom infrastructure to ensure that it is protected infrastructure along the lines of hospitals and educational facilities.
“And so with that, we support the call for some critical work to be done relative to the current situation in the Gulf and other situations across the globe where telecom infrastructure is becoming targeted during periods of conflict,” Samuel Nartey George said.
