Ghana Records 8,578 Fibre Cuts in 2026 as Road Projects and Galamsey Blamed

Road construction activities have been identified as the leading cause of fibre cuts in Ghana in 2026.

Ghana has recorded 8,578 fibre cuts so far in 2026, disrupting telecommunications services and forcing network operators to spend millions of dollars repairing damaged infrastructure.

Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister Samuel Nartey George disclosed the figure during the Government Accountability Series in Accra.

According to the Minister, road construction activities account for about 49 per cent of the fibre cuts, while illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, accounts for another 25 per cent.

Private developers and other activities make up the remaining 26 per cent.

$20 million spent on repairs

The repeated damage has created a major financial burden for telecommunications operators.

Government and mobile network operators are expected to spend about US$20 million this year repairing damaged fibre infrastructure.

Samuel George said the money could otherwise have been invested in expanding network capacity and building new telecommunications sites.

The Minister said fibre cuts have become one of the persistent causes of network degradation, affecting both voice and data services even in areas where adequate network infrastructure exists.

Road construction emerges as biggest culprit

Road construction has emerged as the single largest contributor to fibre damage.

The Minister attributed much of the problem to uncoordinated excavation and inadequate communication between road contractors and telecommunications operators.

He cited the Winneba-Mankessim road project, where fibre damage resulted in a 17-hour disruption affecting communications from Winneba towards Cape Coast.

Another fibre cut reportedly caused a 19-hour outage.

Galamsey also damaging critical infrastructure

Illegal mining is another major contributor to the problem.

According to the Minister, galamsey accounts for approximately 25 per cent of the fibre cuts recorded this year.

The development adds telecommunications infrastructure to the growing list of public infrastructure affected by activities associated with illegal mining.

Northern Ghana has also experienced disruptions

The impact has extended to northern Ghana.

The Communications Minister said multiple fibre routes serving northern Ghana were cut within a two-hour period on one occasion, resulting in widespread degradation of telecommunications services.

For communities increasingly dependent on mobile money, online education, digital businesses, electronic payments and mobile internet, damage to fibre infrastructure can quickly translate into economic and social disruption.

Government plans new rules for road contractors

The government is developing a coordination framework through the National Communications Authority and the Ghana Highways Authority.

The proposed system is expected to require road agencies and contractors to engage telecommunications operators before excavation begins.

The government also plans to introduce a policy requiring road construction projects to incorporate dedicated fibre chambers alongside roads.

The chambers would make fibre infrastructure easier to identify, protect and relocate during construction.

Penalties are also expected for parties that fail to comply with the proposed framework.

Ghana's growing dependence on mobile internet

The fibre problem comes at a time when Ghana is becoming increasingly dependent on digital connectivity.

Smartphone penetration has risen to 71.8 per cent as of June 2026, according to the Communications Minister.

At the same time, Ghana is preparing for the deployment of 5G before the end of 2026, making reliable telecommunications infrastructure increasingly important to the country's digital economy.

The development comes alongside major investment plans by telecommunications operators. MTN Ghana, for example, has announced more than US$1.1 billion in network investment over the next three years.

For more on the investment and what it could mean for internet users, read: MTN Ghana’s $1.1bn Network Expansion: What It Means for Internet Users.

What fibre cuts mean for ordinary users

A damaged fibre route can affect far more than internet browsing.

Network disruptions can interfere with mobile money transactions, banking services, online classes, business communications, digital payments and access to essential online services.

For users in rural and peri-urban communities, where alternative connectivity options may be limited, prolonged outages can have an even greater impact.

This makes fibre protection an increasingly important part of Ghana's digital infrastructure strategy.

The bigger question

Ghana's fibre network is becoming increasingly critical to everyday life.

With 8,578 fibre cuts already recorded this year, the scale of the problem raises questions about how effectively the country can protect the infrastructure needed to support its expanding digital economy.

The government's proposed coordination framework, stronger protection measures and planned investment in telecommunications infrastructure could help reduce disruptions if effectively implemented.

For millions of Ghanaians, however, the ultimate test will be simple: fewer outages, more reliable connections and better internet access.

Gonja Pulse will continue tracking developments in Ghana's telecommunications sector and their impact on communities, businesses and internet users.