Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George Reveals $20 Million Spent on 8,578 Fibre Cuts in 2026
Ghana’s Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Samuel Nartey George, has revealed that the country has spent over US$20 million repairing more than 8,500 fibre cuts in 2026 alone. This significant financial drain on the telecommunications sector highlights a persistent challenge that continues to disrupt connectivity and strain the resources of service providers across the nation. The 8,578 reported incidents this year represent a worrying trend in the destruction of critical national digital infrastructure, reflecting a problem that has plagued the industry for several years. Data provided by the Minister indicates that road construction projects, particularly those under the government’s "Big Push" programme, are the primary cause of damage, accounting for 49% of all fibre cuts. Illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, are responsible for an additional 25% of the incidents. This problem has escalated significantly over time; for context, the country recorded approximately 3,900 cuts in 2021, a figure that surged to over 10,000 in 2022, before reaching the current high levels in 2026. Beyond the immediate cost of repairs, the Minister emphasized the massive opportunity cost to the telecommunications industry and the wider economy. The $20 million diverted to fixing broken cables could have otherwise been invested in expanding network coverage, upgrading to newer technologies, and improving service quality in underserved areas. Telecommunications operators are bearing the brunt of these financial burdens, which ultimately hampers the broader national goal of digital transformation and reliable internet access for all citizens. To address the crisis, Sam George stressed the urgent need for enhanced coordination between road development agencies and digital infrastructure stakeholders. Ensuring that fibre paths are accurately mapped and protected during construction is seen as an essential step to mitigating further damage. As Ghana continues to expand its physical and digital networks, the Minister is advocating for a more integrated approach to infrastructure management to safeguard the country's technological backbone and ensure the sustainability of the telecommunications sector.