Mensah Thompson, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA), has urged the government to diversify its investments in internet connectivity beyond relying solely on fibre optic cables.
His call comes in response to recent disruptions caused by cuts to undersea fibre optic cables, impacting vital internet services in Ghana since Thursday, March 14, 2024.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Citi TV on Monday, Mr. Thompson emphasized the need for the government to prioritize building its digital infrastructure for enhanced security, independence, and accessibility.
Mr. Thompson advocated for a strategic shift towards data independence, suggesting that investing in alternative technologies such as satellites could offer viable solutions.
He highlighted the absence of domestically owned satellites despite claims of advancements in digitalization, urging authorities to consider broader options beyond fibre optics.
He stressed that continued reliance on third-party network operators poses security risks and limits the nation’s autonomy in communication.
“From a security point of view, we cannot continue to rely on these third-party network operators. The state must invest in its own digital infrastructure for the security of communication, total independence, and access. It is non-negotiable so that one day we do not wake up to realize that we will be disconnected for not allowing LGBTQ+ activities.”
“We need to rethink our data infrastructure and make the right investments that will take us toward data independence. There are other options apart from fibre optics. There are satellites, and we don’t have a single satellite, but we keep praising ourselves for progress made with digitalization.”
The National Communications Authority (NCA) announced on Saturday, March 16, that it will require at least five weeks to completely restore internet connections nationwide.
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