Accra, Ghana – Ghana recorded 5,600 incidents of fibre optic cable cuts in 2024, resulting in an estimated financial loss of US$9.2 million (over GH¢138 million) to the telecommunications industry, according to Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications.
Dr. Ashigbey made the disclosure at the 24th edition of the Chamber’s Knowledge Forum, held in Accra under the theme “Leveraging Fibre for Accelerated Development.” The event was attended by key industry stakeholders, including the Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA) and representatives from various telecom operators.
A key highlight of the forum was the launch of the Telecommunications Industry Optic Fibre Minimum Specifications and Standards Manual, aimed at harmonising the deployment of fibre optic infrastructure nationwide.
In his address, Dr. Ashigbey underscored the far-reaching consequences of the rampant fibre cuts, noting that beyond the direct financial burden, the damage had severe implications for service delivery, business continuity, and public trust. He revealed that the cumulative time spent restoring these damages in 2024 exceeded 432 days.
“The average cost per fibre cut stood at approximately US$23,000, and in many instances, these cuts occurred repeatedly in the same locations, compounding the disruption,” he stated.
He stressed that the losses affected not only telecom companies but also small businesses, banks, emergency response services, and digital education delivery.
Causes of Fibre Cuts
Dr. Ashigbey identified road construction activities as the leading cause, responsible for 20.68% of all cuts. Other contributing factors included:
- Theft and vandalism (13.98%), often due to the mistaken belief that fibre cables contain copper
- Activities by private developers
- Drain construction, farming, flooding, and fire
- Accidental damage by other utility companies such as Ghana Water and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)
He emphasized the vulnerability of Ghana’s digital backbone and called for a coordinated national response to protect it.
Call to Action
While acknowledging ongoing support from the NCA, Cyber Security Authority, and the Ministry of Communications, Digitalisation and Innovation, Dr. Ashigbey urged deeper collaboration with road agencies, utility service providers, and local assemblies.
He proposed several measures, including:
- Mandatory relocation of telecom infrastructure in new road construction projects
- Strict enforcement of excavation permit regulations
- Creation of dedicated utility coordination units within infrastructure agencies
“We must treat telecom infrastructure as critical national infrastructure. Every dollar spent on repairing fibre cuts could be used to expand connectivity to underserved communities,” he added.
Dr. Ashigbey concluded by appealing to the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation to champion legislation consolidating existing frameworks to safeguard telecom infrastructure. He also called on the Ministers for the Interior and Attorney General to support enforcement efforts against those responsible for damaging the network.
Source: GNA
