Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has begun consultations to design the country’s first-ever National Emergency Telecommunications Plan, an initiative aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness through resilient communication systems.
The project, developed in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), brings together senior representatives from government ministries, telecom operators, and national agencies.
Meetings began on 11 August at the NCA Tower in Accra, with discussions focused on building a robust framework to ensure reliable communications before, during, and after crises.
Opening the session, NCA Director General Rev.
Ing. Edmund Fianko stressed the importance of taking emergencies seriously. “It’s sad we don’t take emergencies seriously,” he said, underlining the critical role that rapid communication plays in saving lives.
The plan will be structured around four key pillars: Monitoring and Evaluation, Disaster Preparedness, Response and Relief, and Communication Systems. Among its priorities are the integration of early warning systems and the establishment of backup communication networks, including an amateur radio station.
“We must find alternatives when disasters strike,” Fianko emphasised, adding that the NCA would reinforce national infrastructure to ensure instant alerts can be delivered to both the public and response agencies.
The initiative follows a series of climate-related disasters across West Africa, which have highlighted the vulnerability of communication networks during floods, storms, and other emergencies. By creating alternative channels and strengthening existing systems, authorities hope to reduce the risks posed by collapsed infrastructure during crises.
Backed by the UN, the plan represents what officials describe as a foundational step toward safeguarding communities. Its success, they say, could reshape Ghana’s emergency response protocols and offer a model for other nations in the region.
About The Author
