NCA begins talks on Ghana’s first emergency telecoms plan
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has initiated stakeholder consultations towards the development of Ghana’s first National Emergency Telecommunications Plan, aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and response through reliable and timely communication.
The engagements, which commenced on 11 August 2025 at the NCA Tower in Accra, brought together representatives from ministries, sector agencies, mobile network operators, and the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications.
The process is being supported by the United Nations through the World Food Programme (WFP).
Speaking at the opening session, the Director-General of the NCA, Rev. Ing. Edmund Fianko, expressed concern over the country’s limited prioritisation of emergency preparedness.
“It is sad that we do not take our emergencies seriously. It is therefore imperative that prompt communication in response to changing weather conditions and other natural hazards be viewed as critical, as has been seen in recent times. The NCA pledges its full support to ensure that our communications infrastructure is ready during emergencies,” he said.
Rev. Fianko further disclosed that the Authority plans to establish an amateur radio station and other alternative mechanisms to ensure effective communication during seismological and other disaster-related events.
“We must find alternatives for communication when there is a disaster,” he added.
The roadmap for the plan is expected to be anchored on four key pillars: Monitoring and Evaluation, Disaster Preparedness, Response and Relief, and Communication Systems.
According to the NCA, emphasis will be placed on strengthening infrastructure to guarantee that early warnings and critical information reach both the public and relevant agencies without delay.
The programme, which is being championed by the UN through the WFP, is designed to help the country deliver a more coordinated and effective response before, during and after disasters.
