ISPs must build a resilient local internet ecosystem to remain competitive – Prof Kponyo
At the 4th Annual Ghana Internet Conference organized by the Ghana Internet Service Providers Association (GISPA), Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, a keynote speaker and Scientific Director, Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab at KNUST, has emphasized the urgent need for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Ghana to build a resilient local internet ecosystem.
He warned that without robust infrastructure, ISPs risk losing their competitive edge and undermining the growth of Ghana’s digital economy.
Speaking on the theme “Empowering Ghana: Building a Resilient Local Internet Ecosystem for Business Growth and Continuity,” Prof. Kponyo highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed both the opportunities and challenges associated with internet access in Ghana. “Remote work, online education, and digital services are now an integral part of our lives. To sustain this progress, we need more than just stable connectivity.
A resilient local internet ecosystem involves robust infrastructure, progressive policies, local content creation, skills development, and strategic partnerships,” he said.
Prof. Kponyo pointed out that while Ghana has made significant progress in internet adoption and infrastructure development, there are still gaps that need to be addressed.
He cited recent statistics showing that as of January 2024, Ghana’s internet penetration rate stood at 69.8%, with approximately 24.06 million users. Despite this growth, nearly 30% of the population still lacks access to the internet.
Mobile technology, which accounts for 77% of web traffic, plays a crucial role in Ghana’s internet landscape, but speed and reliability remain areas for improvement.
He also referenced the internet disruption in March 2024, which affected several African countries due to faults in undersea telecommunication cables. The disruption, which lasted nearly eight weeks, underscored the vulnerability of Ghana’s internet infrastructure.
“This incident should serve as a wake-up call. We cannot afford to rely so heavily on international connections. ISPs must work together to build stronger local networks that can withstand global disruptions,” Prof. Kponyo stressed.
One of the key elements of a resilient local internet ecosystem, according to Prof. Kponyo, is strong physical infrastructure. He called for continued investments in fiber optic networks, not only for international connectivity but also for terrestrial fiber connections within the country.
He also lauded the efforts of the Ghana Internet Exchange (GIX), operated by GISPA, for optimizing local internet traffic and reducing costs for users.
Telecel Wholesale, sponsors of the event also called for collaboration in advocating for improved internet services to make digital services more accessible to all Ghanaians. Nii Lartey, the head of Telecel Wholesale said.
“Telecel wholesale is proud of its role as a leader in the connectivity industry. We remain dedicated to providing top-tier services, leveraging our extensive coverage, long-standing experience and cutting edge infrastructure to support growth and development in the internet ecosystem in Ghana and across Africa. We look forward to exploring new collaborations and innovations as we move forward.”
ISPs also called for progressive policies to encourage investment and innovation in the sector, noting that while the government has made strides with initiatives like the National Broadband Policy and the Cybersecurity Act, more must be done to create an enabling environment for service providers and businesses.
The conference advance the importance of collaboration among ISPs, government institutions, and key industries to remain competitive in a fast-evolving digital world and focus on not only increasing internet access but also on building a robust ecosystem that can withstand both local and global challenges to secure Ghana’s digital future for innovation and sustainable growth.