Mr. Michael Nfordzo, President of the Ghana Internet Service Providers Association (GISPA), has called for immediate action to enhance the country’s digital infrastructure and prevent future internet disruptions.
Speaking at the 4th Annual Ghana Internet Conference, sponsored by Telecel Wholesale and themed “Empowering Ghana: Building a Resilient Local Internet Ecosystem for Business Growth and Continuity,” Mr. Nfordzo highlighted the need for improved internet infrastructure and regulatory reforms to support Ghana’s expanding digital economy.
On March 14, 2024, Ghana, along with several other African nations, faced significant internet disruptions due to faults in commercial undersea telecommunication cables (CUTC), resulting in partial internet blackouts that affected internet, data, and Voice over IP (VoIP) services for Mobile Network Operators and Data Service Providers. Mr. Nfordzo emphasized that this vulnerability should prompt Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to take swift action to strengthen digital infrastructure against future occurrences.
“The recent internet disruptions in our country and across the sub-region, caused by faults in the commercial undersea telecommunication cables, highlight the critical vulnerabilities in our sector. Fortunately, due to the efforts of the Ghana Internet Exchange (GIX), Ghana was able to mitigate some of the impact by keeping local internet traffic within the country, which was crucial for maintaining business continuity during these interruptions. However, we must take immediate steps to bolster our infrastructure and reduce reliance on international networks to better safeguard against future disruptions,” Mr. Nfordzo stated.
The Ghana Internet Exchange (GIX), operated by GISPA, optimizes internet traffic within Ghana, lowering costs for users while enhancing the quality and resilience of local services. While the exchange has strengthened the nation’s internet ecosystem, further collaboration is necessary to build a more robust and reliable digital infrastructure. This includes the involvement of ISPs, government institutions, and key industries in creating a stronger peering network to effectively manage disruptions and reduce the risk of total internet outages.
Keynote speaker Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Scientific Director of the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab at KNUST, emphasized the importance of a resilient local internet ecosystem for business growth and continuity. “Significant strides are being made to drive internet growth, but this must be supported by a resilient local internet ecosystem. Such an ecosystem is vital in today’s digital-first world; it involves creating a solid digital foundation that can accelerate economic development across all sectors. A truly resilient ecosystem would include multiple redundancies and fail-safes, ensuring that even if international connections are compromised, local businesses can continue to operate with minimal disruption,” he said.
The conference also focused on the affordability of internet services in Ghana. Stakeholders urged government and policymakers to prioritize regulations that promote affordable internet access and resilient infrastructure. They stressed that affordable and reliable internet is the backbone of the modern economy and is essential for all Ghanaians, particularly businesses.
The forum explored the integration of emerging technologies, such as Starlink, and their potential impact on the local internet ecosystem. While these innovations present exciting opportunities, participants cautioned that they must complement, rather than compete with, local ISPs to maintain a balanced and sustainable digital environment.
The Ghana Internet Service Providers Association (GISPA) is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to advancing the interests of local ISPs and stakeholders within the digital ecosystem. GISPA’s primary mission is to advocate for policies and regulatory frameworks that promote the growth of internet infrastructure across Ghana, enabling widespread access to reliable, high-quality communication services.
