MTN Ghana has expressed deep frustration over the persistent destruction of its fibre-optic cables, describing the situation as the company’s biggest operational challenge.
The telecom giant is urging road contractors and authorities to collaborate more closely to prevent further damage, citing the heavy economic and security implications of fibre cuts.
Mr. Magnus Coffie, General Manager of Network Operations at MTN Ghana, disclosed that the company spends an average of GHS 20 million annually on fibre relocation, in addition to several millions more replacing damaged lines.
“Every time road construction or clearing works damage our fibre, communication is disrupted. People cannot reach loved ones, businesses halt operations, and there’s an increased security risk because information flow is cut off,” Mr. Coffie said.
He explained that despite repeated warnings and public education efforts, some contractors continue to destroy fibre lines “with reckless abandon,” leaving customers frustrated and the company burdened with costly repairs.
Mr. Coffie announced that MTN Ghana, together with the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, plans to petition the Minister of Communications for a sustainable, nationwide solution to the recurring problem.
“Construction companies must engage the Chamber and network operators before beginning major road projects,” he stressed. “Collaborating to relocate cables before work starts will save the country and businesses millions of cedis.”
Despite these challenges, Mr. Coffie reaffirmed MTN Ghana’s commitment to delivering reliable and innovative services.
He noted that the company continues to upgrade and expand its infrastructure to meet growing customer demand.
“This year alone, MTN Ghana has invested US$240 million to enhance infrastructure. We’re also introducing innovations in artificial intelligence and developing new technologies to improve customer experience,” he revealed.
Mr. Michael Gbewonyo, General Manager for Internal Audit and Forensics, added that MTN Ghana remains focused on improving connectivity and digital inclusion to strengthen Ghana’s participation in the global digital economy.
He also highlighted the MTN Ghana Foundation’s contributions to national development, citing support in education, health, and entrepreneurship.
“In the Central Region, several tertiary students have benefitted from our Bright Scholarship programme, while health facilities such as the Bawjiase Polyclinic, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital Blood Bank, and Twifo Praso Hospital’s children’s ward have all been upgraded,” he said.
Mr. Gbewonyo announced that MTN will soon roll out Embedded SIM (E-SIM) technology nationwide, a digital version of the traditional SIM card, as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability and enhance convenience.
He encouraged customers to adopt the E-SIM for a “seamless and enriched mobile experience.”
In her remarks, Madam Janet Quarshie, General Manager for Retail Experience, revealed that MTN Ghana is expanding its community service touchpoints nationwide to bring essential services closer to customers.
These centers will offer SIM sales, registration, and replacements to reduce travel burdens on customers in remote areas.
Mr. David Woasey, Area Sales Manager for Central and Western Regions, emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency and collaboration with the media to improve service delivery.
Commending MTN Ghana’s continuous engagement efforts, Mr. Nurudeen Issah, Deputy Central Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), urged the company to support environmental awareness campaigns by leveraging its communication platforms to promote sustainability messages.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kingsley Nana Buadu, Central Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), applauded MTN for maintaining strong relations with the media and proposed a dedicated support scheme to aid the professional growth of journalists in the region.
