NITA Warns Persistent Power Outages and Infrastructure Vandalism Threaten Ghana's Digital Service Affordability

The National Information Technology Agency (NITA) has warned that Ghana's persistent and unpredictable power outages are driving up the cost of internet and digital services. Speaking at the National ICT Week 2026, NITA Chairperson Estelle Akofio-Sowah explained that telecommunications operators and data center managers are being forced to invest heavily in expensive backup power systems to maintain service continuity. These rising operational costs, she noted, place a significant strain on the industry's financial health and directly threaten the affordability of digital services for the average Ghanaian consumer. The instability of the national grid not only disrupts daily operations but also risks damaging sensitive digital infrastructure that is critical to the country's connectivity.

Beyond the energy crisis, the telecommunications sector is grappling with a staggering increase in infrastructure damage. NITA reported that more than 8,000 fiber cuts have occurred within the current year alone, with the majority attributed to deliberate acts of vandalism. These disruptions further escalate repair costs and service downtime, complicating the efforts of providers to deliver reliable internet access. Stakeholders at the event emphasized that the combination of power instability and criminal interference with equipment creates a hostile environment for digital growth, requiring urgent intervention from both security agencies and utility providers to safeguard the nation's technological backbone.

Despite these challenges, the digital economy remains a sector of immense potential, particularly within the burgeoning gaming and Esports industry. Data shared during the forum revealed that Ghanaians spent approximately $121 million on games in 2025, highlighting a lucrative market that could provide significant employment and income opportunities for the youth. Industry experts and NITA officials urged a strategic shift from being mere consumers of digital content to becoming creators and innovators. They argued that by developing local tech skills and fostering a culture of innovation, Ghana can retain more of the value generated within its digital ecosystem while creating sustainable career paths for the next generation.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of Ghana's digital ambitions under the administration of President John Mahama, stakeholders have called for prioritized investments in reliable electricity and robust telecommunications infrastructure. The consensus at the conclusion of National ICT Week 2026 was that a stable power supply is the fundamental prerequisite for a thriving digital economy. Moving forward, the government and private sector are encouraged to collaborate on infrastructure protection and energy reliability to ensure that the digital divide does not widen due to rising costs, allowing Ghana to fully capitalize on emerging technological opportunities.