The telecommunications landscape in Ghana is facing a significant challenge: the rampant and costly destruction of fibre optic cables. Between January and November 2024, a staggering 10,233 fibre optic cable cuts were recorded across the country, incurring a repair cost of over $17.4 million for the industry. This translates to an average repair cost of approximately $1,640 per incident. This financial burden diverts resources away from crucial network expansion and service improvements, hindering the progress of the telecommunications sector and impacting the broader digital economy. The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) and the Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana have expressed grave concerns about this escalating problem, highlighting its potential to destabilize the national fibre network and impede the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The causes of these cable cuts are multifaceted, ranging from infrastructural development to malicious acts. Road construction activities account for the largest portion (20.68%) of the damage, followed by theft and vandalism (13.98%) and private development projects (13.40%). Other contributing factors include broken cable cores, damage to poles and aerial networks, drain construction, fires, farming activities, floods, mining operations, activities by the Ghana Water Company Limited and the Electricity Company of Ghana, railway construction, and bridge-related incidents. This diverse range of causes underscores the complexity of the issue and the need for a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach to mitigation. The high incidence of cable cuts linked to road construction points towards a lack of coordination and communication between infrastructure developers and telecommunications companies. Similarly, the significant percentage attributed to theft and vandalism necessitates increased security measures and public awareness campaigns to protect these vital assets.
The GCT is actively pursuing several strategies to address this critical issue. Recognizing that repeated excavations in the same areas contribute significantly to the problem, the Chamber is advocating for a policy that would mandate the simultaneous laying of various utility cables during initial road construction or excavation projects. This proactive approach would prevent the need for subsequent digging, minimizing the risk of fibre optic cable damage and reducing overall infrastructure development costs. Further highlighting the need for collaboration, the Chamber has engaged with contractors through the Association of Contractors to raise awareness and discuss preventative measures. These discussions aim to foster a greater understanding of the importance of fibre optic infrastructure and encourage responsible construction practices.
Beyond preventative measures, the GCT is also pushing for accountability. The Chamber is advocating for the establishment of a specialized court dedicated to prosecuting individuals and entities responsible for fibre optic cable cuts and other network disruptions. This move signifies a strong commitment to deterring future incidents and ensuring that those who damage critical infrastructure are held responsible. This legal pathway is crucial for safeguarding the integrity of the telecommunications network and protecting the investments made in its development. By implementing more stringent legal consequences, the GCT aims to create a stronger deterrent against negligent or malicious actions that compromise the nation’s digital infrastructure.
In parallel with their efforts to address the cable cut crisis, the GCT and EMIs Chamber of Ghana are also recognizing and promoting excellence within the field of technology journalism. The inaugural Technology Industry Media Excellence Awards (TIMEA) celebrated journalists who have made significant contributions to raising public awareness and understanding of the telecommunications and technology sector in Ghana. Award winners, recognized for their impactful reporting in various categories, received laptops and citations, highlighting the importance of quality journalism in informing public discourse on these crucial industries. This initiative underscores the role of the media in shaping public perception and understanding of complex technological issues, ultimately contributing to a more informed and engaged citizenry.
The TIMEA is a testament to the intertwined nature of technology, communication, and development. By acknowledging exceptional journalism, the awards encourage in-depth reporting and analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing the telecommunications sector. This fosters greater public understanding of the complexities of the industry, including the critical role of fibre optic infrastructure and the detrimental impact of cable cuts. The awards also highlight the importance of responsible reporting on issues relating to digital finance, mobile network operators, infrastructure companies, and electronic money issuers. This comprehensive approach ensures that various facets of the technology ecosystem receive adequate media attention, fostering a more holistic understanding of the sector’s development and its impact on Ghanaian society.
