Ghana’s telecommunications industry has spent a massive $17,415,886.87 fixing damaged fibre-optic cables between January and November 2024. Each repair cost an average of $1,639.61, taking money that could have been used to improve and expand network services.
The situation is worrying, with 10,233 cases of fibre-optic cable cuts reported within just 11 months. These cuts are putting Ghana’s national fibre network under serious threat. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT), shared this concern at the Technology Industry Media Excellence Awards (TIMEA) and a media dialogue in Accra.
The leading cause of the damage was road construction, which caused 20.68 percent of the incidents. Theft and vandalism were responsible for 13.98 percent, while private developer activities accounted for 13.4 percent. Other causes included damage to poles, broken cables, drain construction, floods, and fires.
Dr. Ashigbey explained that the GCT is working with contractors and other stakeholders to solve these problems. “The chamber, in collaboration with stakeholders, has engaged contractors through the Association of Contractors at their annual general meeting, to address these issues,” he said.
The GCT is also pushing for new rules to stop repeated digging in areas where roads have already been worked on. This will protect fibre-optic cables and allow others to lay cables without causing more damage.
Fibre-optic cables are essential for Ghana’s internet and digital services. They help with faster data speeds and keep businesses, schools, and homes connected. Protecting this network is important for the country’s growth and digital future.
This year, the frequent fibre cuts have led to significant disruptions in communication services across the country. In March 2024, multiple submarine fibre optic cables that provide internet connectivity to Ghana experienced outages, causing widespread internet disruptions. These outages impacted internet, data, and Voice over IP (VoIP) services, leading to challenges for customers and subscribers nationwide.
Similarly, in October 2024, MTN Ghana reported that 70 to 80 percent of network challenges were due to fibre cuts, primarily caused by road contractors and property developers. In the Central Region alone, over 62 kilometers of fibre cables were damaged, costing the company five million Cedis to repair.
These disruptions have not only affected individual consumers but have also had broader implications for businesses and essential services that rely on stable internet connectivity.
Expressing his deep concern over the issue, Dr. Ashigbey described the situation as worrying and called for swift and decisive action to safeguard the telecom industry.
