Ghana’s latest infrastructure directive is being hailed as a strategic economic intervention aimed at cutting spiralling fibre repair costs and stabilising the country’s digital networks. Cabinet has approved a national requirement for fibre-optic ducts and chambers to be embedded in every new road project—a move industry analysts say could save millions of dollars while strengthening the foundation of the digital economy.
The decision, long advocated by the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, responds to a persistent challenge: road and construction activities account for roughly 60 percent of all fibre cuts in the country, a key cause of internet outages and service disruptions.
According to industry data, Ghana is projected to spend more than US$69 million on fibre repairs between 2021 and the third quarter of 2025 alone—money that could otherwise be channelled toward network expansion and innovation. The new “Dig Once Policy” seeks to halt this cycle by ensuring that fibre pathways are built before roads are completed, eliminating the costly practice of digging up newly constructed roads for telecom infrastructure.
Speaking at the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations said the policy is not only technologically progressive but economically sound. “We are cutting the losses that have held back our digital economy for years. Embedding fibre ducts in roadway designs means operators can expand quickly, efficiently and at far lower cost,” she explained.
By removing a major financial barrier for network operators, the directive is expected to accelerate Ghana’s nationwide broadband expansion and support a smoother rollout of 5G and future technologies. It also promises to reduce service downtimes for consumers and businesses, improving productivity across multiple sectors.
The policy is aligned with the Digital Economy Policy (2024) and the National Broadband Strategy, both of which emphasise infrastructure-led digitalisation as the backbone of Ghana’s next phase of growth.
Digital Chamber CEO Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah welcomed the move, describing it as a practical step that matches the country’s long-term economic ambitions. “This is about efficiency, sustainability and smart planning. It positions Ghana to build digital infrastructure at a fraction of the current cost,” she said.
The Chamber says it will work with relevant ministries to ensure effective implementation, while stakeholders believe the initiative could serve as a model for other African countries grappling with high network repair costs and infrastructure duplication.
With this policy, Ghana signals that digital infrastructure is no longer an afterthought but a central component of national development planning—one designed to save money, protect road assets and ensure the country’s digital transformation is built on durable foundations.
