Ghana has recorded 8,578 fibre cuts so far this year, costing more than US$20 million to repair, as the country grapples with a major telecommunications infrastructure gap.

The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, said the country’s growing demand for telecommunications services had not been matched by a corresponding expansion in network infrastructure.

Speaking at the Government’s Accountability Series on September 7, 2026, the Minister said the situation had created a significant challenge for the government, which was now working to expand network infrastructure and improve connectivity across the country.

Investors offer government GH¢9.9 billion in latest T-Bills auction

“The infrastructure has not been increased. And so you have a challenge today of fixing 10 years of inaction,” he said.

George also identified frequent fibre cuts as another major problem affecting the country’s telecommunications network.

He disclosed that Ghana had recorded 8,578 fibre cuts so far this year, with repairs costing more than US$20 million.

According to him, the money spent repairing damaged fibre infrastructure could instead have been used to construct new telecommunications sites and expand network coverage.

“That’s money that, without the fibre cuts, we could have used to build new sites,” he said.

The Minister said when the current administration took office in 2025, the existing work plan provided for only 50 new telecommunications sites to be constructed during the year.

However, the government reviewed the plan and increased the target to 800 sites.

Central banking needs more than economists – BoG

“And we sat with them and decided that this year, we’re doing 800 sites. And so that shows you that we’ve seen what the challenge is, and we’re taking steps to fix them,” he said.

The government is seeking to accelerate the construction of new telecommunications sites while reducing the financial losses caused by repeated damage to fibre infrastructure.

DR/MA

Government Accountability Series with Minister for Communications Hon. Samuel Nartey George