Big Push Road Works Blamed for Surge in Ghana’s Fibre Cuts

Ghana’s ongoing road construction projects under the government’s Big Push programme have emerged as the leading cause of fibre optic cable cuts across the country, raising concerns over the impact on internet connectivity.

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, disclosed that road works under the programme account for about 49 percent of all fibre cuts recorded in Ghana.

He made the disclosure at the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House on Monday, September 7, 2026.

According to the Minister, the country had recorded 8,578 fibre cuts so far in 2026, resulting in significant disruptions to telecommunications services and putting additional financial pressure on network operators.

Mr. George revealed that telecommunications companies had spent more than $20 million repairing damaged fibre optic cables.

He said the funds being spent on repairs could instead have been invested in expanding telecommunications infrastructure, including the construction of new cell sites and improving network coverage in underserved communities.

“The biggest source of fibre cuts is from the Big Push project because the Ministry of Roads is carrying out an aggressive project to construct roads across the country,” Mr. George said.

The Minister explained that the extensive nature of the road construction works had increased the risk of underground fibre infrastructure being damaged during excavation and other construction activities.

Frequent fibre cuts can affect internet speeds and reliability, while also disrupting businesses, financial services, digital platforms and other activities that depend heavily on stable connectivity.

Mr. George’s comments highlight the need for stronger coordination between road construction authorities and telecommunications companies to protect critical digital infrastructure during major infrastructure projects.

As Ghana accelerates road development under the Big Push programme, the government faces the challenge of ensuring that physical infrastructure expansion does not inadvertently undermine the country’s digital infrastructure.

The Communications Ministry is expected to continue working with relevant agencies and telecommunications operators to address the recurring fibre damage and reduce the financial and service-related impact of such disruptions.

By Regina Acquaye