Ghana's Digital Expansion Under Threat as Fibre Optic Cuts Surge to Over 10,000 Annually

Ghana’s push for a robust digital economy is being undermined by a surge in fibre optic cable cuts, primarily triggered by ongoing construction and infrastructure projects. Data reveals a staggering increase in damage to telecommunications infrastructure, resulting in millions of cedis being diverted from expansion projects toward costly repairs. As President John Mahama’s administration prioritizes digital transformation following his inauguration in January 2025, the frequency of these disruptions poses a significant threat to national connectivity and economic growth.

According to consolidated industry data from the GCT Monthly Fibre Cuts report, the number of incidents reported by telecommunications operators spiked dramatically from approximately 3,900 cuts in 2021 to a record 10,034 in 2022. While recent figures show some fluctuation, analysts project that without intervention, Ghana could continue to see more than 8,000 annual cuts. These incidents are largely attributed to a lack of coordination between road contractors and utility providers, where excavation activities frequently sever the backbone of the nation's internet and data services.

To combat this drain on resources, experts and industry stakeholders are advocating for the implementation of the "Dig Once" principle. This initiative seeks to integrate the laying of digital infrastructure directly into the planning and execution phases of road construction and other civil works. By creating dedicated pathways and conduits for fibre during the initial construction of roads, the government can significantly reduce the likelihood of future damage, streamline expansion efforts, and ensure that investments in physical infrastructure do not come at the expense of digital stability.

Protecting telecommunications infrastructure is increasingly viewed not just as a technical hurdle for private operators, but as a critical pillar of national economic policy. As Ghana seeks to maximize its investments in digitalization, the focus must shift toward better inter-agency collaboration and the enforcement of stricter protections for sub-surface cables. Solving the crisis of fibre cuts will be essential for the Mahama administration to deliver on its promise of a seamless, high-speed digital future that supports businesses and citizens alike.