The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) and the Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana have revealed that from January to November this year, there were 10,233 instances of fibre-optic cable cuts nationwide.
These incidents have resulted in repair costs of $17,415,886.87 for the telecommunications industry, with each repair costing an average of $1,639.61.
Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of GCT, expressed concern over the rising frequency of fibre-optic cable cuts, warning that they posed a serious threat to the stability of the national fibre network. He shared these remarks during the inaugural Technology Industry Media Excellence Awards (TIMEA) and a media dialogue in Accra.
Dr. Ashigbey explained that funds that could have been used to enhance and expand existing services were instead being diverted to repair the damaged fibre-optic networks.
“We will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to protect our nation’s telecom infrastructure and hold those who undermine it accountable,” he added.
Dr. Ashigbey reported that in 2024, road construction was responsible for 20.68% of fibre-optic cable cuts, while theft and vandalism caused 13.98%, private developer activities 13.4%, broken core 11.81%, damage to poles and aerial networks 11.61%, and drain construction 9.51%.
Other causes included fire, farming, and floods (7.85%), mining activities (5.93%), Ghana Water Company Limited (1.91%), railway construction (1.21%), Electricity Company of Ghana operations (1.08%), and bridges (1.02%).
He emphasized the need for collaboration to address the risks posed by these fibre cuts, which threaten the integrity of the national fibre backbone.
Dr. Ashigbey also highlighted that fibre-optic cables are crucial for connecting network operating systems, enabling faster data transfers and supporting high-bandwidth applications and services.
Additionally, he shared that the chamber is advocating for a policy to prevent redundant digging in areas where roads have already been excavated, allowing other parties to lay cables without further excavation.
“The chamber, in partnership with stakeholders, has engaged contractors through the Association of Contractors at their annual general meeting to tackle these issues,” he said.
Dr. Ashigbey also mentioned the chamber’s push for a specialized court to prosecute those responsible for fibre-optic cable cuts and other related crimes that disrupt networks.
In recognition of excellence in journalism, the two chambers awarded Suleiman Mustapha of the Graphic Communications Group Limited as the best reporter in the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) (Print and Online) category.
Rosemond Akuorkor Adjetey of EIB Network was named the best reporter in the EMIs Broadcast (TV and Radio) category, while Ivan Heathcote-Fumador, also from EIB Network, was honored in the Broadcast sub-category under the EMIs category.
Each awardee received a brand-new laptop along with a citation certificate.
The awards aim to promote excellence in telecommunications and technology journalism, as well as to recognise and reward outstanding reporting that enhances awareness and understanding of the telecommunications and technology industry in Ghana.
The TIMEA is open to Ghanaian journalists from accredited media houses, independent journalists covering the telecommunications and technology sectors, and online platforms/bloggers.
The awards feature multiple categories, covering various facets of the telecommunications and digital finance ecosystems, including MNOs and OEMs, infrastructure companies (such as TowerCos and Fibrecos, and EMIs).
