Over 10,000 Fibre Optic Cable Cuts Reported Across Ghana in 2024
Telecommunications Industry Faces Major Challenges as Fibre Optic Cable Cuts Surge Across Ghana
- These incidents have cost the telecommunications industry a total of $17,415,886.87 in repairs, with each repair averaging $1,639.61.
- Dr. Ashigbey pointed out that the funds spent on repairs could have been used to expand and enhance existing services
- Dr. Ashigbey mentioned that the Chamber is pushing for the creation of a specialized court
According to the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) and the Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana, there were 10,233 fibre optic cable cuts reported across the country between January and November 2024.
These incidents have cost the telecommunications industry a total of $17,415,886.87 in repairs, with each repair averaging $1,639.61.
Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of GCT, expressed concern over the rising frequency of fibre optic cable cuts, emphasizing the serious risk they pose to the stability of the national fibre network. He made these comments at the inaugural Technology Industry Media Excellence Awards (TIMEA) and a media dialogue held in Accra.
Dr. Ashigbey pointed out that the funds spent on repairs could have been used to expand and enhance existing services, but instead had to be diverted to fix the damaged networks.
“We will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to protect our nation’s telecom infrastructure and hold accountable those who damage it,” he stated.
In 2024, road construction was the leading cause of fibre optic cable cuts, accounting for 20.68% of the incidents. Other significant causes included theft and vandalism (13.98%), activities of private developers (13.40%), broken cores (11.81%), and damage to poles and aerial networks (11.61%). Additionally, drain construction (9.51%), fire, farming, and floods (7.85%), mining activities (5.93%), and various utility works (such as those by Ghana Water Company Limited and the Electricity Company of Ghana) contributed to the damage.
Dr. Ashigbey stressed the need for greater cooperation to address the risks posed by these disruptions, which threaten the backbone of the country’s fibre network. He highlighted that fibre optic cables are essential for connecting network systems, enabling faster data transfer, and supporting high-bandwidth services.
The GCT is advocating for a policy that would prevent repeated excavations in areas where roads have already been dug up, allowing other parties to lay cables without additional digging. The Chamber has also worked with contractors through the Association of Contractors to address these challenges.
Additionally, Dr. Ashigbey mentioned that the Chamber is pushing for the creation of a specialized court to prosecute those responsible for fibre optic cable cuts and other disruptions.
The TIMEA also recognized excellence in journalism. Suleiman Mustapha of Graphic Communications Group Limited won the award for Best Reporter in the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) category.
Ms. Rosemond Akuorkor Adjetey from EIB Network was named the Best Reporter in the EMIs Broadcast (TV and Radio) category, while Ivan Heathcote-Fumador, also from EIB Network, received the award in the Broadcast sub-category under EMIs. Each awardee received a brand-new laptop and a citation certificate.
The TIMEA aims to promote excellence in telecommunications and technology journalism, recognizing outstanding reporting that raises awareness and understanding of the telecommunications and technology sectors in Ghana.
The awards are open to accredited journalists, independent reporters covering the telecommunications and technology industries, and online bloggers.
