Accra: Ghana’s telecommunications sector has reported a staggering 5,600 fibre optic cable cuts in the year 2024, resulting in an estimated financial impact of US$9.2 million, equivalent to over GHS138 million. Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, highlighted these figures during the 24th edition of the Chamber’s Knowledge Forum held in Accra. The event was attended by key industry figures, including the Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA) and representatives from various telecommunications firms.
According to Ghana News Agency, the forum, themed ‘Leveraging Fibre for Accelerated Development’, also marked the unveiling of the Telecommunication Industry Optic Fibre Minimum Specifications and Standards Manual. This document aims to standardize the deployment of fibre optic infrastructure across the nation. Dr Ashigbey noted that the repercussions of these fibre cuts extend beyond financial losses, impacting revenue, reputation, and demanding extensive restoration efforts totaling over 432 days in 2024.
Dr Ashigbey detailed the financial burden faced by the industry, revealing that each fibre cut costs approximately US$23,000 on average. He expressed concern over recurrent damages in the same areas, which prolong repair times and exacerbate the impact on businesses and essential services. The cuts have severely affected telecom companies, small businesses, banking services, emergency communication, and educational delivery.
Road construction emerged as the primary cause of the fibre cuts, responsible for 20.68 per cent of the incidents. Other causes include theft and vandalism, driven by misconceptions about copper in the cables, as well as actions by private developers. Additional factors such as broken ports, drain construction, fire, farming, flooding, and accidental damage by utility companies like Ghana Water and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) contributed to the situation.
Dr Ashigbey emphasized the need to protect Ghana’s critical digital infrastructure and called for collective action. He acknowledged the support from regulators and policymakers, including the NCA, the Cyber Security Authority, and the Ministry of Communication, Digitalisation and Innovation. However, he urged for intensified collaboration with infrastructure stakeholders, particularly road agencies, utility companies, and assemblies, to safeguard telecommunications infrastructure during development projects.
Key recommendations presented included mandatory relocation of telecom data cables during new road constructions, strict enforcement of excavation permits, and the establishment of dedicated utility management units within road agencies. Dr Ashigbey also advocated for decisive measures against individuals and entities deliberately damaging the fibre optic network, emphasizing that funds spent on repairs could have expanded connectivity to underserved regions.
In a call to action, Dr Ashigbey urged stakeholders to prioritize the protection of Ghana’s digital backbone. He appealed to the Minister of Communication, Digitalisation and Innovation to spearhead legislation consolidating existing laws for robust infrastructure protection. Additionally, he sought support from the Ministers for the Interior and the Attorney General to facilitate the implementation of such a law.