The Chamber of Telecommunications has announced a strategic partnership with the Attorney General’s Department aimed at securing legal authority through a fiat to prosecute individuals and construction companies responsible for damaging fibre optic cables belonging to telecom operators.
Raising alarm over the rising incidence of cable cuts, the Chamber emphasized the heavy financial burden these damages impose on telecom providers, as well as the significant disruption they cause to services for consumers.
The Chamber revealed that over 5,600 cases of fibre cuts were recorded in 2024 alone, resulting in estimated losses of GH¢138 million to the telecommunications sector. On average, each fibre cut costs approximately US$23,000 to repair. Beyond the financial toll, these incidents also tarnish reputations and require extensive restoration efforts.
Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey detailed the various causes of damage, including activities by road and drain contractors, private developers, and cable thieves.
“There are those in road construction, drain construction, and private developments who inadvertently damage cables. Then, there are cases where individuals attempt to steal what they believe is copper, only to find out it’s fibre—essentially glass. By then, the damage is already done,” Dr. Ashigbey explained.
He also cited other causes such as overloaded vehicles damaging aerial fibre lines and the impact of illegal mining activities in some communities.
Dr. Ashigbey noted that the Chamber is in active discussions with the Attorney General’s Department to obtain prosecutorial authority.
“We’re requesting a fiat similar to what SSNIT has that would enable us to prosecute offenders on behalf of the Attorney General. The previous Attorney General agreed to dedicate state attorneys for this purpose, who we would train to handle these cases. Following the change in government, we’ve re-engaged the current Attorney General, and we’re continuing along the same path,” he stated.
In a related development, the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry has raised concerns about delays by some telecom companies in coordinating with construction firms, which often results in accidental damage to underground cables.
Chief Executive Officer of the Construction Chamber, Emmanuel Cherry, urged improved collaboration between telecom operators and contractors.
“As a contractor, you’re given timelines and conditions to complete a project. When you notify utility providers of potential clashes with their infrastructure, you expect timely cooperation. Unfortunately, in some cases, they fail to respond, causing unintended damage and project delays,” Cherry said.
