• By Sarata Odame
• 2020 Internet Society training

Our Ref: ISOC-GH/NCA/IO/24

March 17, 2024

The Director General

National Communications Authority (NCA)

Airport City, Accra.

URGENT ACTION NEEDED TO ADDRESS INTERNET DISRUPTION IN GHANA

The Internet Society (ISOC), Ghana Chapter, expresses deep concern regarding the recent widespread Internet disruptions experienced across West Africa. These disruptions have significantly impacted businesses, educational institutions, and individual Internet users, hindering economic activity, access to information, and communication.

The Internet Society believes that the NCA has acknowledged the disruptions on March 14, 2024, citing multiple undersea cable breaks that impacted mobile and Internet data services in Ghana and other nations. We also know that the NCA is working relentlessly with service providers to determine the root problem, implement solutions, and restore normalcy.

Call to Action for the National Communications Authority (NCA):

The ISOC Ghana Chapter urges the NCA to take immediate and decisive action to address this critical situation. We recommend the following:

1. Investigate the cause: Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including Internet service providers (ISPs) and submarine cable operators, to thoroughly investigate the cause of the disruptions.
2. Implement contingency plans: Work with ISPs to develop and implement robust contingency plans to minimize the impact of future outages. This may involve exploring alternative routing options and redundancy measures.
3. Long-term solutions: Engage in regional discussions to explore long-term solutions, such as investing in additional submarine cable infrastructure, license-exempt community networks and fostering greater redundancy within the West African Internet ecosystem.

Importance of a Stable Internet:

A stable and reliable Internet connection is fundamental for Ghana’s economic growth, social development, and individual well-being in today’s digital age. The recent disruptions highlight the urgent need for robust communication infrastructure, complementary networks and proactive measures to ensure Internet stability in the Country.

The ISOC Ghana Chapter stands ready to collaborate with the NCA and other stakeholders to find practical solutions to deepening Internet connectivity.

Sincerely,

Francis Acquah Amaning

President, Internet Society Ghana Chapter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Internet Society Ghana Chapter Deeply Concerned by Widespread Internet Disruptions in West Africa.

Accra, Ghana – March 14, 2024 – The Internet Society (ISOC) Ghana Chapter expresses its deep concern regarding the widespread internet disruptions currently impacting Ghana and several other West African nations.

Reports indicate significant outages in countries including Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Benin, and Niger. While initial reports suggested a potential submarine cable cut, the cause remains under investigation.

The ISOC Ghana Chapter emphasizes the critical role that uninterrupted internet access plays in:

• Facilitating communication and information sharing: Disruptions significantly hinder our ability to connect with loved ones, conduct business, and access vital information.
• Supporting economic activity: Businesses heavily rely on the internet for operations and commerce. Extensive outages lead to economic losses and hinder growth.
• Enabling civic engagement: A free and open internet is fundamental for citizens to exercise their right to freedom of expression and access information.

The Internet Society Ghana Chapter urges all relevant authorities to:

• Prioritize a swift investigation to determine the cause of the disruptions and ensure a speedy restoration of internet services.
• Implement measures to prevent future occurrences, including exploring alternative communication infrastructure and strengthening redundancy measures.
• Uphold the principles of internet freedom and refrain from any intentional disruption of internet access.

The Internet Society Ghana Chapter stands committed to working with stakeholders to ensure a stable and secure internet environment for all Ghanaians.

We urge everyone to exercise patience during this time and call for continued efforts towards a resilient and accessible digital future for Ghana and the wider West African region.