- 5,600 fibre optic cuts in 2024 caused $9.2M in damages
- Fibre cuts disrupted telecom services, banking, and education
- Telecom Chamber urges stronger laws, coordination, and enforcement to protect infrastructure
Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, revealed that Ghana experienced 5,600 fibre optic cable cuts in 2024, resulting in losses estimated at US$9.2 million (over GH¢138 million).
Speaking at the 24th Telecommunications Knowledge Forum in Accra, which was attended by key industry stakeholders including the Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Dr. Ashigbey stressed the serious implications of these disruptions. The forum, themed “Leveraging Fibre for Accelerated Development”, also featured the launch of the Telecommunication Industry Optic Fibre Minimum Specifications and Standards Manual, aimed at standardising fibre infrastructure deployment across the country.
Dr. Ashigbey explained that the damage extends beyond financial costs to include revenue loss, brand damage, and over 432 days spent on repairs throughout the year. On average, each fibre cut cost about US$23,000, with many cuts occurring repeatedly in the same locations—worsening delays and affecting businesses, banking, emergency services, and education.
Road construction was identified as the leading cause of fibre cuts (20.68%), followed by theft and vandalism (13.98%), often due to misconceptions that fibre cables contain copper. Other causes included farming, construction, flooding, and accidental damage by utilities like Ghana Water and ECG.
Dr. Ashigbey called for stronger coordination with infrastructure players, including road agencies and utility companies, to prevent further damage. He recommended mandatory telecom cable relocation during roadworks, strict enforcement of excavation permits, and the creation of utility management units within road authorities.
He also urged swift legal action against individuals or entities who intentionally damage telecom infrastructure, noting that funds spent on repairs could have been directed toward expanding connectivity in underserved regions.
Dr. Ashigbey appealed to the Minister of Communication, Digitalisation and Innovation to spearhead comprehensive legislation to protect Ghana’s digital infrastructure, with support from the Ministers for the Interior and the Attorney General.
