Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, has revealed that Ghana has suffered a 5,600 fibre optic cable cuts in 2024, resulting in losses estimated at US$9.2 million (over GH¢138 million).
Speaking at the 24th Chamber of Telecommunications Knowledge Forum in Accra, Dr. Ashigbey underscored the far-reaching implications of these disruptions, which spanned revenue losses, reputational damage, and over 432 cumulative days spent on network restoration.
Dr. Ashigbey said that the average cost of repairing each fibre cut stood at approximately US$23,000, stressing that beyond telecom firms, the disruptions also severely impacted small businesses, banking, emergency services, and online education.
He identified road construction as the leading cause of cable cuts (20.68%), followed by theft and vandalism (13.98%), often stemming from false assumptions that fibre cables contain copper. Other culprits included private developers, farming activities, utility companies, and natural events like flooding and fires.
Acknowledging support from regulators such as the National Communications Authority (NCA), the Cyber Security Authority, and the Ministry of Communication, Dr. Ashigbey called for stronger collaboration with road agencies, utility providers, and local assemblies to safeguard digital infrastructure.
He recommended, mandatory relocation of telecom cables during road construction, strict permit enforcement for excavation activities, and establishment of utility coordination units within road agencies.
Dr. Ashigbey urged legal reforms to consolidate existing protections and hold perpetrators accountable. He called on the Ministers for Communications, Interior, and the Attorney General to back legislation ensuring the resilience of Ghana’s digital infrastructure.
He stressed that funds spent on repairs could be better invested in expanding connectivity to underserved communities.
