• 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Internet Society (ISOC) Ghana Chapter Commends Government for Upholding

Internet Access During National Tragedy

Accra, Ghana, August 13, 2025 – The Internet Society (ISOC) Ghana Chapter extends its

deep condolences to the government of Ghana, on the solemn occasion of the helicopter

crash that claimed the lives of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Defence Minister, Dr. Ibrahim

Murtala Muhammed Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Alhaji

Muniru Mohammed Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Samuel Aboagye former

parliamentary candidate, and Samuel Aboagye NDC Vice-Chairman, Samuel Sarpong.

Also killed in the accident were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin

Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The eight were on their way to an event focused on tackling illegal mining and promoting

responsible mining practices.

The Ghana Chapter commends, particularly the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology

and Innovations, for its judicious decision not to shut down the Internet in the wake of the recent

helicopter tragedy, acknowledging the immense pressure faced by the government to prevent

the spread of graphic content of the accident scene.

The Internet Society Ghana Chapter respects the choice proffered by Hon. Sam George when he

featured on Joy FM’s “Super Morning Show” on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, to explore collaborative

solutions over a total Internet shutdown.

As recounted, shutting down the Internet, while seemingly a quick fix, may have far-reaching

negative consequences for the Ghanaian economy and its citizens. The Ghana Chapter would

like to highlight the following critical consequences during an Internet Shutdown:

• Economic Disruption: Internet shutdowns may paralyse businesses that rely on online

transactions, digital marketing, and communication. This disruption may lead to significant

financial losses and hinder economic productivity.

• Financial Services: Ghana’s burgeoning financial technology (fintech) sector may be

severely affected. Mobile money services, online banking, and digital payment lifelines for

millions of Ghanaians may come to a halt, disrupting commerce and personal finances.

• Investor Confidence: Ghana’s digital economy depends on stability and trust in the

Internet. Any shutdown may affect investor confidence, stalling innovation, and reversing

progress in our digital transformation agenda.

• Loss of Essential Information: During a crisis, the Internet is a vital tool for

disseminating accurate and timely information. A shutdown may cut off citizens from

official news, emergency services, and communication with loved ones, potentially

creating more panic and confusion.

The Internet Society Ghana Chapter applauds the government’s approach of working with

telecommunication companies and technology platforms to find a more effective solution, as a

shutdown will not augur well for the country. The collaborative effort to send mass text messages

urging people not to share sensitive videos demonstrated a commitment to preserving the

country’s digital economy.

This action sets a positive precedent, reinforcing the principle that a free and open Internet is

essential for economic growth, public safety, and national development. We encourage the

government to continue to engage with stakeholders in the digital community to develop robust

and responsible policies that protect citizens without compromising Internet freedom.

About the Internet Society Ghana Chapter

The Internet Society Ghana Chapter is a non-profit organisation dedicated to ensuring the open

development, evolution, and use of the Internet for the benefit of all people in Ghana. We work

to promote policies, standards, and technologies that keep the internet open, accessible, and

secure. We stand ready to support efforts that promote responsible internet use, digital literacy,

and the protection of human rights online.

Contact:

Maud Ashong Elliot

President

Internet Society Ghana Chapter

Email: info@isoc.gh || maud.ashongelliot@isoc.gh

Phone: +233244887770

Website: https://isoc.gh/

LinkedIn: Internet Society Ghana Chapter