Protecting Ghana’s Critical Digital Infrastructure
In 2024, Ghana experienced a significant challenge with over 5,600 fibre optic cable cuts, resulting in a staggering loss of US$9.2 million, equivalent to over GH¢138 million. This issue was highlighted by Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, during the 24th Chamber of Telecommunications Knowledge Forum held in Accra. The forum focused on the theme, “Leveraging Fibre for Accelerated Development,” where the Telecommunication Industry Optic Fibre Minimum Specifications and Standards Manual was unveiled.
Dr Ashigbey emphasized the broader impacts of these disruptions beyond the immediate financial strain. The loss of revenue, reputational damage, and time spent on repairs extended to over 432 days in 2024. The average cost per fibre cut was approximately US$23,000, exacerbated by repeated damage at the same locations, impacting businesses and essential services like banking and emergency communications.
Road construction emerged as the leading cause, accounting for 20.68% of the fibre cuts. Theft and vandalism, often due to misconceptions about copper in the cables, and private development activities, contributed significantly to the problem. Additional factors included utility work and natural events like floods.
To counter this, Dr Ashigbey called for collective action involving regulators and policymakers. Recommendations included mandatory relocation of telecom cables during new road constructions and strict enforcement of excavation permits. The CEO also proposed establishing dedicated utility management units within road agencies to safeguard telecommunications infrastructure during development projects.
Dr Ashigbey urged for strong legislative measures to protect Ghana’s digital backbone, appealing to the Minister of Communication, Digitalisation and Innovation, and other key stakeholders to champion laws that ensure robust protection of telecommunications infrastructure. The funds spent on repairs, he noted, could be redirected to expanding connectivity to underserved regions, highlighting the necessity of prioritising this issue for the nation’s digital future.
Source: MyJoyOnline