Ghana is expanding its telecom infrastructure to bridge the digital divide, but faces challenges like vandalism, power outages, and logistical hurdles.
Ghana expands telecom infrastructure
Ghana is expanding its telecom infrastructure to address the digital divide, with plans to build 800 new sites and modernize 2,000 existing ones. The initiative, announced by Minister of Communications, Digital and Innovation Samuel Nartey George, aims to improve Internet access for the 20 percent of the population that remains offline.Challenges from fiber optic cuts
The expansion faces significant challenges, including repeated fiber optic cuts. Minister George reported 8,578 such incidents since the start of the year, attributed to road construction and illegal mining. These cuts disrupt data transmission, affecting both voice and Internet services despite functional radio equipment.Theft and damage to telecom equipment
Telecom infrastructure is also vulnerable to theft and vandalism. In 2025, officials noted the theft of solar batteries and damage to photovoltaic panels in the Upper East region. Telecel Ghana also reported similar incidents in 2026, including the theft of generators and other essential equipment.Electricity supply issues
Reliable electricity is another challenge, especially in rural areas with limited access to the national grid. Operators there rely on costly diesel generators, which are three to four times more expensive than grid electricity. Fuel procurement and transportation add significantly to operating costs.Logistical and administrative hurdles
Logistical and administrative challenges further complicate the project. The National Communications Authority noted difficulties in accessing sites and resistance from some communities. Delays can arise from disputes over land rights, opposition to tower installations, or concerns about health effects.Maintenance and remote site challenges
Once built, maintaining telecom sites in remote areas is difficult due to poor road conditions, distance from support centers, and lack of essential services. A 2024 study in the journal Urban, Planning and Transport Research highlighted these issues as factors that increase operating costs and complicate repairs.Meeting project deadlines
Despite progress, meeting project deadlines remains a concern. The Rural Telephony Project, which aimed to build 2,016 sites, had 1,400 actually operational by mid-2026. The minister gave the contractor 30 days to complete the remaining work, with potential fines if the deadline is missed.
