(A milestone decision to accelerate Ghana’s digital transformation and reduce fibre cuts nationwide)
Ghana’s Cabinet has approved a transformative proposal from the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications to integrate fibre-optic ducts and access chambers into all new road construction projects across the country.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, during a high-level discussion at the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, South Africa. The move positions Ghana as a continental leader in infrastructure-led digitalisation and sets a precedent for other African nations to follow.
“What Ghana’s Cabinet has approved is this, every new road is also going to be a digital new road,” the Minister stated. “Contractors will now build fibre chambers alongside roads, effectively eliminating the capital cost of digging for telecom operators. This will make network rollout faster, cheaper, and more sustainable, thereby allowing operators to reinvest in expanding connectivity.”
The policy, often referred to as the “Dig Once Policy”, stems from sustained advocacy by the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and its member companies. The Chamber’s technical justification highlighted that about 60% of fibre cuts in Ghana, a major cause of service interruptions, are caused by road and construction activities. Between 2021 and the first three (3) quarters of 2025, fibre repair costs is projected to be $69.3 million, representing a significant drain on industry resources and national productivity.
By mandating the inclusion of fibre ducts in new roads, Ghana is expected to:
- Reduce fibre cuts and network downtimes significantly
- Lower broadband deployment costs
- Accelerate 5G and digital infrastructure rollout across the country
- Protect road assets and prevent repeated excavation, and
- Foster innovation and inclusion through reliable, affordable internet access
This milestone decision aligns with the goals of Ghana’s Digital Economy Policy (2024) and National Broadband Strategy, advancing the vision of a digitally enabled economy that supports growth, inclusivity, and innovation.
The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, on behalf of its member companies and the wider digital ecosystem, has commended the Government for this forward-looking decision. The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, the Ministry of Roads and Highways, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation.
“This is a bold and visionary step that will shape Ghana’s digital future,” said Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah, CEO of the Digital Chamber of Ghana. “By embedding fibre in all new roads, we are laying the foundation for a connected nation, one that leverages digital infrastructure to drive growth, innovation, and opportunity.”
The initiative reinforces Ghana’s position as one of Africa’s emerging digital leaders and offers a scalable model for other African countries aiming to build resilient, inclusive, and future-ready digital economies.
The renewed collaboration builds on a long-standing partnership focused on driving Ghana’s inclusive digital transformation, deepening cybersecurity, and strengthening confidence in digital financial services and telecommunications infrastructure. By leveraging shared expertise and systems, the institutions aim to expand digital trust and support Ghana’s transition into a fully digitized economy.
The meeting focused on advancing shared priorities for the telecommunications and digital ecosystem, including sustaining a competitive industry, accelerating connectivity expansion, and safeguarding consumer interests nationwide. Discussions also touched on the need to support a robust digital infrastructure framework to enable innovation, inclusion, and secure digital participation for all Ghanaians.