May 2026

The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has raised alarm over the increasing number of fibre cuts across the country, warning that the situation is putting severe financial and operational pressure on telecom operators.

Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah, revealed that the industry is currently dealing with more than 8,000 fibre cuts every year, compared to about 400 annually during the early stages of network deployment in Ghana.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Chamber’s 15th anniversary soft launch, she explained that telecom operators are being forced to divert huge investments meant for network expansion and service improvements into repair and maintenance works.

According to her, the rapid expansion of telecommunications infrastructure over the years has increased the exposure of fibre cables, even though the growth has helped push internet penetration in Ghana from about four percent to more than 70 percent.

She described fibre cuts as one of the biggest threats to network stability and service reliability in the country.

“We are experiencing over 8,000 cuts per annum when it comes to fibre cuts, which is increasingly a strain on our operators’ resources. Resources and investments that could have been used for new rollouts are rather being used to repair damaged fibre lines and meet quality service obligations,” she said.

Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah stressed that the Chamber wants the industry’s 15-year journey to produce lasting solutions, particularly in ending the persistent problem of fibre cuts.

To address the challenge, the Chamber is advocating for the implementation of the proposed “dig once” policy, which seeks to make fibre duct infrastructure mandatory in major road construction projects.

The policy is expected to improve network resilience by allowing telecom operators to route fibre cables through protected underground ducts, reducing the risk of damage during road and construction works.

The Chamber says it is optimistic government will support the initiative, especially as discussions on the proposal are already at cabinet level.

source : www.myjoyonline.com

Government says the proposed Dig Once policy could reduce the cost of fibre infrastructure rollout in Ghana by as much as 60 percent, in a move aimed at accelerating broadband expansion and improving access to affordable data services.

Speaking at the 15th anniversary soft launch of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, said the policy is expected to significantly lower deployment costs for telecom operators while strengthening Ghana’s digital infrastructure drive.

According to the Minister, the policy seeks to integrate fibre infrastructure into ongoing government road construction projects under the Big Push programme.

Under the proposed arrangement, road contractors working on new roads will be required to include fibre chambers within road designs, allowing telecom companies to deploy fibre cables without undertaking separate excavation works.

Mr. George explained that telecom operators would only need to secure right-of-way access and lay fibre through already constructed chambers, eliminating duplication in civil works and reducing capital expenditure associated with network expansion.

“The Dig Once policy could, by some estimates, reduce the cost of rolling out fibre in Ghana by almost 60 percent,” he stated.

He noted that both road contractors and telecom operators currently undertake separate excavation works, increasing infrastructure costs unnecessarily. Integrating fibre chambers into road construction, he said, would create a more efficient and cost-effective approach to infrastructure development.

The Minister disclosed that the Ministry has completed the draft policy framework after incorporating recommendations from the Ministry of Roads and Highways due to the cross-sector impact of the initiative.

According to him, the final draft was received this week and is expected to be submitted to Cabinet for approval, with government targeting implementation approval by the third quarter of this year.

Mr. George described the initiative as potentially transformative for Ghana’s digital economy, arguing that lower fibre deployment costs should support wider network expansion, improve internet connectivity and ultimately reduce data costs for consumers.

He added that government expects the policy to create long-term efficiencies within the telecommunications sector while supporting Ghana’s broader digitalisation agenda and economic competitiveness.

source : www.citinewsroom.com

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO)  of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Tanko Rashid-Computer, has reiterated that improving the Rural Telephony Project remains a top priority for the fund as it works to expand digital connectivity in underserved communities across the country.

Speaking during a high-level engagement with a global technology company, Huawei, at the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, Mr Rashid-Computer emphasised GIFEC’s commitment to strengthening telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas to ensure that no community was left behind in the country’s digital transformation agenda.

The meeting, held on March 5, 2026, brought together a delegation from GIFEC, led by Mr Rashid-Computer, and Huawei officials to explore innovative technological solutions that could support the expansion and improvement of the Rural Telephony Project.

Mr Rashid-Computer was joined by GIFEC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Francisca Adjei, while the Huawei delegation was led by the Vice-President of Huawei and Chief Executive Officer of the company’s Global Public Sector Business Unit, Li Junfeng, along with Advisory Product Manager, Mlungisi Nhlapo.

During the meeting, Huawei presented advanced rural connectivity solutions, including the latest version of its Rural Telephony Project (RTP) masts designed to improve telecommunications coverage in remote and underserved areas.

The upgraded masts are expected to provide reliable network infrastructure capable of supporting enhanced voice and data services.

The presentation offered the GIFEC delegation valuable insights into how the improved technology could significantly expand connectivity and strengthen network quality in communities that currently experience limited or no telecommunications services.

Mr Rashid-Computer said enhancing the Rural Telephony Project would play a critical role in facilitating the rollout of 3G and 4G services in rural communities, enabling residents to access digital platforms, information services and economic opportunities.

He noted that strengthening telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas remained central to GIFEC’s mandate of promoting universal access to information and communication technology across Ghana.

The engagement at Mobile World Congress formed part of GIFEC’s broader strategy to build partnerships with global technology leaders to accelerate the country’s digital development in order to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

Source : www.graphic.com.gh

• Telecel has launched 4G services in the Central African Republic, joining rivals Orange and Moov Africa in the country’s high-speed internet market
• Authorities say the rollout supports the “Digital Central Africa 2030” strategy aimed at boosting digital services, mobile money, online education, and e-commerce
• Despite growth potential, the sector faces major challenges including low internet penetration, limited coverage outside Bangui, and device affordability barriers

Mobile operator Telecel this week officially launched its 4G network in the Central African Republic, marking a major technological step that strengthens the company’s position in the country’s telecommunications market.

A formal ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 12, at Telecel’s headquarters in Bangui to mark the launch. The event was presided over by Justin Gourna Zacko, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, alongside members of his cabinet, Telecel Group CEO Moh Damoush, Telecel Central Africa Managing Director Irène Moussa-Kembe, and a delegation from Telecel Gabon.

With this rollout, Telecel narrows the gap with rivals Moov Africa and Orange, both of which have offered 4G services since 2025. Authorities said competition in high-speed mobile internet services had now officially begun in the country.

The launch comes amid rising demand for high-speed connectivity from businesses, households and public institutions, as the Central African Republic accelerates its digital transformation efforts. The expansion of 4G services is also expected to support new digital applications and broader ambitions to develop the country’s digital economy.

According to the Ministry of Telecommunications, Telecel’s 4G rollout forms part of the national strategic plan known as “Digital Central Africa 2030.” During the ceremony, Minister Gourna Zacko said: “Expanding connectivity across the country means enabling a farmer in Bossangoa to sell online, a student in Bambari to attend remote classes, and a trader in PK5 to access mobile money services without interruption.”

Moov Africa has previously highlighted the capabilities of its 4G+ network to deliver very high internet speeds, supporting HD video streaming, webinar participation, instant content sharing and online gaming. For business customers, the operator has also emphasized improvements in data transfer, interconnection and access to mobile services. Orange, meanwhile, has underscored the role of 4G in supporting remote work, e-commerce growth, and access to online education and healthcare services.

Telecel faces stiff competition in a market where connectivity remains limited

The race for high-speed mobile internet is unfolding in a market still largely dominated by Orange. At the beginning of 2025, the operator said it held a 60% share of the mobile telephony market, 65% of fixed B2B services, and more than 90% of the mobile money segment in the Central African Republic.

Moov Africa, meanwhile, reported holding around 11% of the mobile market at end-September 2025. In the absence of recent official data from the telecommunications regulator, Telecel is estimated to account for the remaining roughly 29% of the market.

The sector nonetheless offers significant growth potential due to the country’s persistent digital divide. According to DataReportal figures, the Central African Republic had 2.49 million mobile subscribers at end-2025, representing a penetration rate of 38.1%. Internet adoption remains low, with around 670,000 users, equivalent to roughly 12% of the population.

Coverage and adoption challenges remain

Central African authorities acknowledge that expanding network coverage remains the sector’s main challenge. While Bangui is now covered by 4G services, the next major step will be extending coverage to secondary cities and key road corridors, in line with operators’ licensing obligations.

The government has pledged to closely monitor these commitments, while indicating that operators investing in rural areas could receive support through the Universal Service Fund (USF).

As of 2024, 2G and 3G networks covered approximately 60% of the population, according to the GSMA’s Mobile Connectivity Index. Although these technologies have long formed the backbone of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, they are gradually being phased out in many markets.

Beyond network coverage, operators will also need to address broader barriers to digital adoption, including the cost of data plans, limited access to compatible devices, digital literacy levels, and the overall quality of the user experience.

Several operators across Africa are already developing financing solutions that allow customers to purchase smartphones or tablets through installment payments. Others are bundling devices with internet packages to reduce barriers to broadband access and accelerate the adoption of digital services.

Source : www.ecofinagency.com

MTN Ghana has launched its 30th anniversary celebration, with a pledge to deepen investment in connectivity, digital infrastructure and national development initiatives aimed at supporting the country’s growing digital economy.

Speaking at an event in Accra to usher in a tall list of activities to mark three decades of its existence in Ghana, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, said the company’s journey over the past three decades reflected a transformation from basic telecommunications service provision into a key enabler of national progress.

He emphasised that MTN Ghana’s growth story had been shaped by customers, partners and government collaboration, stressing that connectivity had become central to opportunity, dignity and economic empowerment

“And that’s a credit to the people that built that business. Today, millions of Ghanaians are on mobile money every day. It supports households, business agents, entire value chains.

It’s deeply woven into the fabric of Ghana’s economy and into our daily lives,” Mr Blewett said.

The event brought together industry partners and stakeholders to support the company. 

MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary campaign

The six-month long anniversary will offer recognition rewards, including three Toyota LandCruiser Prado Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), lifestyle experiences, data freebies, smart gadgets, movie premieres and consumer prizes under what it calls MTN Rewards, enabling customers to win exciting benefits through participation from June to December.

Reflecting on the evolution of mobile technology in Ghana, Mr Blewett referenced early mobile devices such as the Nokia 3310 and Motorola Razr, saying the industry had moved from SMS-based communication to advanced digital platforms.

He highlighted mobile money as one of the most significant innovations in Ghana’s digital transformation, describing it as a gateway to financial inclusion and economic participation for millions of people.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic further demonstrated the importance of telecommunications infrastructure, enabling education, healthcare coordination and business continuity during periods of disruption.

Vision

Looking ahead, Mr Blewett said MTN Ghana would continue to invest in expanding its network and modernising digital infrastructure, including a planned $1.1 billion investment programme and the rollout of new network sites across the country.

He added that the company’s future strategy would focus on connectivity, financial technology (Fintech) and digital services, supported by sustainability and responsible innovation. 
According to him, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) would reshape communication and productivity, particularly for young people.

MTN Ghana also reaffirmed its commitment to education, health and skills development through its corporate social investments, saying those initiatives remained central to its long-term mission of supporting inclusive national growth.

Government support

The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, stated that the government would continue to create a supportive policy and regulatory environment to drive innovation and investment in the telecom sector.

He said ongoing reviews of spectrum policy, universal service obligations, cybersecurity and data protection frameworks were aimed at strengthening the digital ecosystem.

Mr George added that the country was positioning itself for the next decade of digital transformation, including 5G deployment, AI, cloud computing and Internet-of-Things (IoT) infrastructure.

The communication minister also gave the assurance that the government would work to enable investment, while expecting operators to expand coverage beyond profit-driven areas into underserved communities.

He emphasised that collaboration between the government, regulators and industry would be key to achieving nationwide digital inclusion and competitiveness.

Responsibility

Mr George, however, stated that MTN Ghana, as a dominant player in the country’s telecom market, carried significant responsibility that must match its leadership position.

He said MTN’s status as a “market leader” was not a criticism but a regulatory reality that came with obligations to ensure quality of service, fair competition, transparency and improved customer experience.

The communication minister stressed that consumers continued to face concerns over data costs, dropped calls, network coverage gaps and complaint resolution, which must be addressed.

He charged MTN to ensure that its planned $1.1 billion investment translated into tangible improvements in service delivery, affordability and equitable access, especially for rural and low-income users

SOURCE: www.graphic.com.gh

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has called on the global community to prioritize the protection of telecommunications infrastructure during conflicts.

Speaking at the ongoing International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, the Minister stressed that telecom systems must be treated as critical infrastructure, just like hospitals and educational institutions.

Samuel Nartey George noted that telecommunications infrastructure remains central to the delivery of key services, including healthcare, education, and emergency response.

According to him, any disruption to these systems has immediate and far-reaching consequences, particularly for hospitals and schools that rely heavily on stable connectivity.

He warned that attacks on telecom infrastructure could significantly undermine national stability and public safety.

The Minister further urged the ITU to take a clear and decisive global stance on the issue, pointing out that the growing trend of targeting telecom infrastructure in conflict zones is a matter of urgent international concern.

While referencing ongoing tensions in the Gulf region, he emphasized that the challenge is not isolated and requires a comprehensive global response.

Samuel Nartey George advocated for telecommunications infrastructure to be formally recognized under international protection frameworks, similar to hospitals and schools.

He explained that such recognition would help safeguard critical services and protect civilian populations during times of crisis.

Ghana, he said, supports ongoing international efforts to address current conflicts, but insists that more coordinated action is needed to prevent the increasing targeting of digital infrastructure worldwide.

He concluded by calling for urgent steps to secure telecommunications systems, describing them as indispensable to modern life and national resilience.

“We know that there are international standards and protocols when it comes to things like hospitals and schools. It is important that the ITU uses this as a flagship to make a statement globally on how we see telecommunication infrastructure.

“Because if telecom infrastructure is affected, it affects the delivery of hospitals and even schools. And so Ghana supports this motion and says that we must take a stand that goes beyond the current issues in the Gulf, but globally, that the ITU must take a position on telecom infrastructure to ensure that it is protected infrastructure along the lines of hospitals and educational facilities.

“And so with that, we support the call for some critical work to be done relative to the current situation in the Gulf and other situations across the globe where telecom infrastructure is becoming targeted during periods of conflict,” Samuel Nartey George said.

Source : ww.citinewsroom.com

The initiative underscores MTN Ghana’s commitment to long-term growth and innovation, while supporting Ghana’s ambition to become a regional leader in digital connectivity and economic development.

MTN Ghana has announced a significant multi-year investment plan to strengthen Ghana’s digital infrastructure and expand connectivity across the country. The announcement was made during the company’s Annual Media and Stakeholder Engagement held in Accra.

Speaking at the forum, CEO Stephen Blewett emphasized that the engagement serves as a key platform to align with media and stakeholders on the company’s performance, future outlook, and its role in shaping Ghana’s digital ecosystem. He highlighted that dialogue with partners is essential to advancing a shared vision for the country’s digital future.

Blewett revealed that MTN Ghana plans to invest approximately $1.1 billion over the next three years to enhance network resilience, improve service quality, and enable broader access to digital services. The investment is aimed at building a robust and future-ready network capable of supporting increasing demand as more individuals and businesses enter the digital economy.

He noted that the company’s core mission is to drive digital inclusion by ensuring that more people can participate in a connected world. Strengthening infrastructure, expanding coverage, and maintaining a reliable network are central to this strategy, positioning Ghana to play a leading role in Africa’s digital transformation.

The initiative underscores MTN Ghana’s commitment to long-term growth and innovation, while supporting Ghana’s ambition to become a regional leader in digital connectivity and economic development.

Source : www.extensia.tech