Otumfuo Calls For Robust Technological Infrastructure Amid Internet Outage

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made an allusion to the disruption of internet connectivity during a courtesy call by the Telecel Group, calling for a comprehensive investment in robust technological infrastructure.

The disruption which has impacted data and Voice over IP (VoIP) services of various telecommunication companies in Ghana began on Thursday, March 14 and has been attributed to disruption in international undersea cables.

The King expressed worry about the development which affected not just Ghana but 12 other African countries in Western, Southern and Central Africa including Ivory Coast, Liberia, Benin, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Togo, Cameroon, Gabon, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Lesotho and South Africa.

During a courtesy visit by leadership of Telecel group, the new owners of Telecel Ghana, His Majesty alluded to the distressing situation and called for enhanced investment in technology in the sector.

“Vodafone existed before the rest of the telecommunication companies but I realised that they all had surpassed Vodafone and now you’ve come at a time when I feel that the infusion of capital and technology and new innovations will help build this company up again.

“But then also you carry the majority shares and therefore you come at a time when I need training for my people and the technology transfer for them. You also come at a time when only yesterday we couldn’t access the internet. Investment in that area is needed… We expect that this partnership will benefit Ghana and your company as well.”

Leading the delegation was the Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Ghana, Mrs Patricia Obo-Nai who introduced the executives of Telecel Group.

She introduced Nicolas Bourg as the Board Chairman, Moh Damush as Group CEO, Malek Atrissi as Chief Operating Officer, Eleanor Azar as Chief of Staff and Husein Rifai as a Board Member.

Cause of Internet Outage
In a statement on March 14, 2024, the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications explained there was an outage on multiple submarine optic fibre cables that come into Ghana.

“Some of the cables are down while others are delivering limited capacity… As a result, customers and subscribers are currently experiencing service challenges.”

It further said investigations were being carried out, as well as work to resolve the current problems to restore service to customers.