NCA’s proactiveness ensured Ghana’s internet resilience – Dr Anokye
By Selorm GBORBIDZI, Accra
Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), attributes Ghana’s avoidance of complete internet outage during the undersea cable disruptions on March 14, 2024, to proactive measures taken by the Authority.
Several countries along the West African Coast to South Africa faced widespread internet outages when four submarine cables, coincidentally operational in Ghana, experienced disruptions underwater, impacting data services.
Notably, consumers on AT&T did not encounter disruptions, while those on MTN and Telecel experienced minimal internet access.
All three mobile network operators (MNOs) in Ghana have since been restored to full internet capacity, while submarine cable providers continue repair works.
Dr. Anokye addressed the media in Accra on Sunday, highlighting the NCA’s proactive stance since 2020.
He mentioned that the Authority directed MNOs to establish and maintain physical cable connections with at least three submarine cable providers for redundancy and resilience, a directive adhered to by all MNOs since April 2020.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCA engaged with stakeholders to assess their support needs.
These proactive engagements and subsequent directives to MNOs contributed to Ghana avoiding complete internet outage on March 14, 2024.
Dr. Anokye emphasized the importance of risk assessment, directing MNOs to ensure redundant cable connections capable of rapid restoration within 24 hours in case of primary link outages.
Looking ahead, Dr. Anokye stated that the Authority would require MNOs to establish provisions for an additional cable leg to land with a provider outside the country.
He announced the licensing of a fifth cable landing operator, Bayobab, operating the 2Africa Cable, expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2024.
This cable will circle the entire African continent, offering geographical diversity and greater resilience.
Moreover, Dr. Anokye revealed that the NCA expanded its satellite licensing portfolio to include recent broadband satellite services, providing alternative connectivity options for domestic and enterprise users.
The Authority aims to collaborate with regulators and industry stakeholders to extend inter-country terrestrial fiber, enhancing internet connectivity resilience in the sub-region.
Established by an Act of Parliament in 1996 and replaced by the National Communications Authority Act, 2008, the NCA is mandated to license and regulate electronic communication activities and services in Ghana.
