Don't shutdown internet-Access Now,MFWA urges government
She said not only will internet shutdown impact the economy of a nation negatively, the practice will gravely affect government's digitization drive thereby defeating the purpose.
Prosper Kwaku Selassy Agbitor 
Ahead of the December 7, 2024, parliamentary and Presidential elections, Felicia Antonio, #KeepItOn Campaign Manager has appealed to the government not to shut down internet access.
According to her, the harm caused by an internet shutdown outweighs the benefits derived by any nation.
She made the passionate call recently at an event put together in collaboration with Access Now(AN) and the Media Foundation for West Africa(MFWA).
Explaining the validity of the harm caused by the internet shutdown on economies, she said though governments would like to do that for several reasons, the #KeepItOn Campaigner strongly maintains her
contrary stand.
According to her, governments across Africa leverage internet shutdowns for political repression. Such repression by Governments has suppressed political dissent while silencing opposition voices in a bid to control electoral narratives.
She bemoaned the practice adding that it could spark protests in a seemingly politically volatile environment.
Ms Antonio further disclosed that though governments may cite national security threats for misinformation, and disinformation, the peace of women and children must be factored in such a decision.
Ms. Antonio observed that citing the practice to combat terrorism by the government was justified but urged that a proper measure be adopted to achieve the same purpose.
She said not only will the internet shutdown impact the economy of a nation negatively, but the practice will also gravely affect the government's digitization drive thereby defeating the purpose.
Citing countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Cameroon, Uganda Zambia, and Zimbabwe amongst others have had their fair share of shutdown effects therefore having been impacted negatively.
Ms. Antonio is appealing to the government and all other agencies directly or indirectly involved to as a matter of urgency refrain from the practice in other to save lives and spur economic growth.
To press home the demands, Ms. Antonio observed that her outfit will engage stakeholders to ensure a continuous safe political environment before, during, and after the election.
