Telecommunications operators in Ghana have spent more than US$20 million repairing fibre cuts recorded so far this year, diverting funds that could otherwise have been used to expand network infrastructure, Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister Samuel Nartey George has disclosed.
According to the Minister, Ghana has recorded 8,578 fibre cuts within the year, creating a significant financial burden for network operators while undermining efforts to expand and improve connectivity across the country.
Fibre Cuts Remain a Major Challenge
Mr Nartey George said the problem has persisted over several years, with Ghana recording about 3,900 fibre cuts in 2021, more than 10,000 in 2022, over 6,000 in 2023, more than 5,600 in 2024, and approximately 8,000 in 2025.
He explained that the resources spent repairing damaged fibre could instead have been invested in expanding telecommunications infrastructure.
“And the cost of that alone is over US$20 million in repairing fibre cuts. That’s money that without the fibre cut we could have used to build new sites. It’s not because there is no service, but because the fibre has been cut,” Mr George said.
Road Projects Account for 49% of Fibre Damage
The Minister identified road construction projects under the Big Push programme as the leading cause of fibre cuts, accounting for approximately 49% of the recorded damage.
He said illegal mining activities account for another 25%, making the two activities the major sources of damage to telecommunications infrastructure across the country.
Mr George explained that the aggressive expansion of road projects nationwide has increased the risk of underground telecommunications infrastructure being damaged during construction.
He stressed that every fibre cut creates additional costs for telecom operators, forcing them to divert resources from network expansion to emergency repairs.
The Minister’s concerns highlight the need for greater coordination between telecommunications companies, road contractors and other stakeholders to protect critical underground infrastructure as Ghana expands its road network and digital connectivity.
